By Ken Hansard
Baxter Springs senior Jarrett Lawson is preparing for a big final season on the mound for the Baxter Springs Lions baseball team in the always competitive CNC League. A right-handed pitcher, Lawson enters his senior year focused on leadership, improvement, and reaching several personal milestones.
Lawson, who has already earned second-team All-CNC honors and All-State honorable mention recognition during both his sophomore and junior seasons, hopes to build on that success this year. Those honors are especially meaningful to him because they reflect the work he has put into his game. “Those awards helped get my name out there and show people that I have potential,” Lawson said.
After recording 34 strikeouts during his junior season, Lawson has his sights set on an even bigger number this year – a career milestone. “My main goal is to hit 100 career strikeouts,” he said. “I’ve been working hard to gain more velocity so I can help my team and reach that mark.”
During the offseason, Lawson focused on improving his strength and overall performance at the plate. He worked on gaining muscle to increase both his pitching velocity and his exit velocity as a hitter, while also attending hitting lessons to refine his swing.
As a senior, Lawson embraces the responsibility of guiding the Lions throughout the season. “I see my role on this team as a leader. I want to help set the tone and push everyone to get better.” Lawson is particularly looking forward to the postseason. “I’m excited for regionals and the chance to see if we can make it to state for the first time in my high school career.”
Following graduation, Lawson plans to continue both his education and baseball career at Central Christian College.
