Its been about as good of a start to the season as Ascension Episcopals Jeffery Elkins could ask for in his senior year. <\/p>\n
Not only are the Blue Gators off to a fast start with momentum heading into District 7-1A play, but Elkins is one of the top power hitters in the state with six home runs through 12 games. <\/p>\n
The senior, who will attend UL next season, dedicated himself in the weight room this offseason and has reaped the benefits in the early goings of the season. <\/p>\n
Because of his hard work, the power surge has not surprised Ascension Episcopal coach Lonny Landry. <\/p>\n
I expected it. He really worked on his swing this season and over the month and a half of practice before games, Landry said. Just based on batting practice and what weve seen, Im not surprised at all with the start hes had so far this season. <\/p>\n
He hit the weight room hard and did a lot of speed and agility training in the offseason. He just figured out how to use every ounce of power he had. <\/p>\n
Landry said he doesnt expect the hot start to cool off any time soon, either, thanks to Elkins professional demeanor regarding practice. <\/p>\n
His hard work has rubbed off on his Blue Gator teammates who have played a large role in Ascension Episcopals 8-4 start this season. <\/p>\n
Both Seth Kerstetter and Josh Hebert bat before Elkins in the three-hole and have set the table nicely so far this season. <\/p>\n
Sean-Michael Brady and Brennan Lightfoot have provided good protection behind Elkins as well to keep teams honest with their pitching. <\/p>\n
For being an amateur athlete, (Elkins) is a true professional in every aspect of the word, Landry said. Seth has been phenomenal and Josh gives us a senior in the two-hole. Weve got two in front and two-behind who are dangerous at the plate. <\/p>\n
I think weve surrounded him with some pretty good hitters. <\/p>\n
The Blue Gatorshave a tough test against Hanson who occupies the top spot in the power rankings in the first round of district play, but Landry said his team was embracing the challenge. <\/p>\n
Hanson is going to be a true test. But I think if we stay consistent were going to have a special season, Landry said. Our pitching has really come on and weve put everyone in the right spot on defense. And were hitting and scoring a lot of runs. <\/p>\n
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Ascension Episcopal's Elkins experiencing power surge for Blue Gators - The Daily Advertiser<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Its been about as good of a start to the season as Ascension Episcopals Jeffery Elkins could ask for in his senior year. Not only are the Blue Gators off to a fast start with momentum heading into District 7-1A play, but Elkins is one of the top power hitters in the state with six home runs through 12 games. Continue reading