Cowgill takes over John Glenn softball program, looks to continue success

NEW CONCORD − A two-year stretch by the John Glenn High softball program has simply been dominating on the diamond with veteran head coach Randy Larrick calling the shots.

The Lady Muskies compiled a 57-6 record during the span, with a 32-1 mark in the 2021 season that included a trip to the Ohio High School Athletic Association's Final Four. John Glenn's lone loss came to Keystone by a 5-0 final score in the OHSAA Division II state championship game.

Last year, JG again put together an impressive campaign, finishing with a 25-5 record. They made another postseason run to the D-II regional finals, where Heath ended the Lady Muskies' year with a 12-5 victory.

In the Muskingum Valley League, the Lady Muskies have completed back-to-back perfect seasons for MVL titles with a 34-0 record.

Following last season, Larrick decided to step down as head coach and turned over the reigns to his longtime assistant Steve Cowgill.

Cowgill, who has been an assistant in the JG program for 17 years, will now take a crack at making the calls for the powerful Lady Muskies' squad. But don't expect a lot of changes according to Cowgill.

"Basically it's going to be the same Muskies softball people are used to seeing," Cowgill explained. "Maybe my personality might come out a little more at times. Maybe a little more aggressive at times, but basically what we have done in the past has been pretty successful and speaks for itself. So you don't try to fix something that's not broke."

Cowgill will begin his first season as a varsity head coach with a extremely talented roster, that includes six returning lettermen who all started the last two seasons.

Headlining the potent Lady Muskies attack is senior Hannah Bendle (SS/P), along with juniors Sydney Marshall (P/INF) and Alivia Boothe (C) who each put up monster numbers a year ago.

Bendle slugged her way to a robust .576 batting average last year, with 18 doubles, eight home runs and 36 RBIs. Boothe checked in at .533 with 12 doubles two home runs, 23 RBIs and Marshall hit .500 with five doubles, a whopping 14 home runs and a team high 46 RBIs.

"Hannah is a highly-skilled player," Cowgill said. "She can hit, run, throw, catch...just do it all. And can also play any position, and play it at a very high level."

Marshall led the way from the pitcher's circle for John Glenn, finishing with a 15-4 record with an ERA of just 1.42 ERA. Bendle who posted a 10-1 pitching record with a 2.19 ERA forms a solid one-two pitching combination with Marshall.

"Syd (Marshall) has excellent speed with movement on her pitches.," Cowgill added. "And then has tremendous long ball power with the bat. Just a really talented ball player.

"Alivia has excellent power to all fields," Cowgill said. "And behind the plate is just solid. She blocks the ball very well and has a really accurate arm."

Each has an impressive list of honors including Bendle as a two time First Team All Ohio winner, two time First Team Eastern District, two time Eastern District Player of the Year, two time First Team All-Muskingum Valley League and two time MVL Player of the Year.

Marshall received Second Team All Ohio last year, along with First Team Eastern District, First Team All MVL and was tabbed MVL Pitcher of the Year. Boothe received Honorable Mention All Ohio honors, First Team Eastern District and First Team MVL.

Each has already decided on their collegiate destinations, with Bendle signing with St. Francis (PA), Marshall with a verbal commitment to Bowling Green and Boothe a verbal commitment to Youngstown State.

Completing the returning starters for Cowgill are seniors Ryann Snider (INF/C/OF) and Arabella Birkhimer (INF), and junior Sarah Wayne (OF/INF/P).

"Our six returning starters have lots of big game experience," Cowgill offered. "That will allow them to really mentor our younger players. That group knows what it takes to win, and they are already doing a great job with the young girls."

Mitch Bendle and Kyle Porter return to the John Glenn varsity coaching staff, with Abby Bailey and Richard Young coaching the JV squad.

Rounding out the John Glenn varsity roster are junior Madeline Winland (INF/OF), sophomores Aliah Johnson (OF/INF), and Lily Robinson (OF/INF) along with freshmen Adi Babock (OF/C), Libby Brown (OF), Estelle Matheney (OF/C), Ava Miller (INF) and Kinily Porter (INF).

"Our young players will need to grow up quickly," Cowgill continued. "We have a very competitive schedule again, to help get us ready for tournament play."

Despite a 34 game winning streak in the MVL, Cowgill expressed his team will need to be ready each night out.

"We should contend for the MVL title again," Cowgill explained. "But the MVL is very competitive, and you can't take a game off or you will get beat."

"I have two pretty simple goals," Cowgill stated. "One is to win the MVL again, and two is to get to Pickerington. If we get to Pickerington, then that means we are back in the regionals. And we kind of like making that trip and want to again this year."

John Glenn opens the new season on the road at Athens on Saturday, with a noon start time.

kstutton1@gannett.com; @KSuttonDJSports

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Cowgill and Lady Muskies look to continue success