Christina Romero attends Rio Rico High School and is a member of the AIA's Student SID Program. 

 

Currently holding a 16-14 overall record, the Rio Rico Hawks have been able to both ride on momentum and overcome adversity this season.

Their most recent win streak included impressive triumphs against Sahuarita, Amphitheater and Thatcher before dropping four straight games. Now, the Hawks face a critical turning point as they look to regain focus to close out the season.

“In the first part of the season, we did struggle, but we have really come together to play better baseball,” says Head Coach Tyler Teadt, emphasizing how the players' ability to rally together as a team, “As long as we keep playing at the best level we’ve played, we have no reason to not make a really deep run in the playoffs.” 

Coach Teadt’s belief is strong throughout the whole roster, as the players have been able to find success and confidence in the team's approach.

“We have to make sure we’re still in a positive mindset,” says Jesus Rodriguez, one of the senior team captains, “No matter what game it is, we’ve always known we have to be ready to play.”

“You have to ride with the highs and the lows,” says Pedro Montano, also senior team captain, “We’ve learned we have to fight the same way no matter the team."

“This team is really special because we have 11 seniors. I’ve never had that many seniors before, but they have really stepped into their leadership roles,” says Coach Teadt, “Even though we struggled with this at the beginning of the season, they were the biggest difference in bringing us together to play a better game.”

As they prepare for their last regular season game as seniors, Jesus Rodiguez and Pedro Montano are ready to battle for one more win against Salpointe.

“After these past few years, I want to end it with a bang, whether that's going out with one good game or winning it all,” says Jesus Rodriguez.

“No matter what the score is, I want to go out and compete for this team, for every batter, every pitcher, it doesn’t matter who the team is. We’re all here to play,” says Pedro Montano.

It’s no secret that the community will always be ready to rally around the Hawks. As baseball earns another successful season, the players are out to prove that Rio Rico Baseball is here to win.

Jesus Rodriguez hopes that the team can make a run in the post-season to bring attention to the school’s baseball program. “We want to make a statement and show that Rio is here to stay.”

“When people think of Rio Rico they just think of a little town, so to make a good run in the playoffs would be really cool for us,” says Pedro Montano, “Baseball has taught us not to follow, but to be leaders.”

The Hawks will face the Salpointe Lancers at home tonight as their last game of the regular season. Right now, the Hawks stand at #16 in the 4A rankings, with a win only giving them more momentum as they head into the playoffs. As they prepare for what may be one of the most important games of the season, the students, school and community are ready to come out and show their Hawk Pride.