Due to an enrollment of around 500 students, most Sedona Red Rock High School sports play Division III competition or lower.

But that had not been the case until this spring for Scorpions baseball, which was realigned from Divisions II to IV following a 4-18 record last season — a welcome change for new Sedona Red Rock High School head baseball coach Craig Eagle, the only varsity assistant the last two seasons.

“I’m hoping we have a better record, that’s for sure,” he said. “The competition will be level.

“If we play within ourselves, if we play hard, the schools we will be playing, three or four out of Phoenix will definitely be a challenge, but they’re not heavy hitters like Bradshaw Mountain was at Division II.”

Unlike the past two seasons, Eagle will have three other coaches on the staff to help work one-on-one with the players.

“That’s what is really helping out,” he said, “not being stressed and strung out between two coaches. We have a lot more time and a great coaching staff to pull from.”

Plus, rivalries have now been renewed with Northern Arizona schools like Williams, Camp Verde and Chino Valley High Schools along with Northland Preparatory Academy in Flagstaff.

“We want to have a winning record against the Northern Arizona schools. That definitely helps solidify our reputation. That’s kind of what our direction is this year.”

For the full story, please see the Friday, Feb. 28, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.