The Republic Lady Tigers invited back some old friends to celebrate the careers of two coaches Tuesday — and put an exclamation point on the party with a big win over Branson. Payton Appleberry hit two home runs, including a grand slam to lead Republic to a 10-1 win.
But the night belonged to head coach Mike Thorne and assistant Jim Huson, who are both retiring from coaching at the end of this season. More than a dozen former players attended the game, and Thorne and Huson were honored afterwards for their successful careers at Republic High School. Thorne was inducted into the Missouri Fastpitch Coaches Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“It made me feel proud that they came back. Some of them haven’t been here for 15 years,” Thorne said. “I was just very proud to be their coach.
“It was very emotional. These last few weeks are going to be that way, and I’m just trying to keep myself focused on the team,” Thorne said.
One of the former players who returned was outfielder and second baseman Carlie Campbell, who played on both of Thorne’s Final Four teams.
“He’s just a great one,” said Campbell. “He’s encouraging, and just makes you laugh. He always expects you giving it your all.”
Huson says he was touched to see so many former players back in the stands.
“It means everything in the world to have those kids back, because so many of those kids touch our lives,” he said. “(We have) a lot of time invested in those kids. All you can hope to do is try to help them achieve, and be the best they can possibly be, and that inspires us as coaches.”
Huson credited Thorne and another head coach — former football coach Ed Miller — for giving him an opportunity to be a part of building “two great traditions” in the football and softball programs during his career at Republic.
The softball team is back in action at home Thursday against Carthage in another COC game.
Here’s video of Appleberry’s grand slam. It was her second home run of the night. She finished with 7 RBIs.