Taking over

Scheeter to lead SHS baseball program

sports@standard-democrat.com

SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs have a new head baseball coach, but there will be little need of an introduction.

Longtime assistant coach Alan Scheeter was named the head coach late last week after Kevin Self resigned to take the principal position at The Christian Academy on June 2.

"I'm excited to have the job," Scheeter said. "It's something I've prepared myself for, coaching under Kevin the last 15 years. Getting a chance to see how things should be done, I've learned a lot."

Scheeter has been the first base coach the last 15 seasons as he helped guide the Bulldogs to a 266-98 record. He was part of six district championships and a second place finish in 2001, fourth place in 2002 and third place in 2004.

Scheeter said serving under Self he learned about the day-to-day things like practices and off-season conditioning as well as learning the ins-and-outs of the game.

"I've been watching and helping Kevin for 15 years and my feet are already wet,"Scheeter said. "It was really good to see how he did things and see how a program should be run. He has helped prepare me for what is hopefully a long career."

Scheeter will have plenty to work with next season. The Bulldogs are coming off a 14-7 season where they played for a district title for the first time since 2007. Sikeston returns seven players from that team that saw extensive playing time.

"I'm looking forward to the good crop of kids we have coming in next year and I'm excited for where I hope to take things," Scheeter said.

A 1991 graduate of Sikeston, Scheeter has both played and coached for the Bulldogs and is well-aware of the tradition. The Bulldogs have won 27 district titles with two second place finishes, six third place finishes and one fourth place finish.

"So long as I am able to keep things going, I don't see myself leaving anytime," Scheeter said. "I'm born here, raised here and lived here all my life and I think that will help me. Knowing the town, knowing the people around here and especially knowing the kids, that's the main thing. If you have a good relationship with the kids they will play hard for you."