2007 Senators begin anew Published March 26, 2007 SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- This year's version of the Sheppard Senators will be unlike any other varsity softball Senator team in over 13 years. None of the 2006 Sheppard Senators will return this season. Turnover happens in every sports program, but normally most teams don't replace 100 percent of their team at one time. Coach Ron "Bama" Brown said a higher operations tempo, family needs, pursuit of education and other variables will be factors this team may have to face with greater intensity than in years past. Brown said this year's goals are to represent Sheppard Air Force Base well, on and off the field, have a great time playing the game and win everything in sight. One thing's for sure, this year's Senator team will clearly reflect a youth movement. While exuberance and enthusiasm will be appreciated, there can be no denying that the team will have to overcome a huge loss of experience. The newest Senators have all the raw talent it takes to field a top-notch team. However, it takes time for a new team to grow and mature to effectively use all the talent they have. There are players who have never played on a military sports varsity team who will have to quickly step in to help fill the gap. Senior Airman Joshua Greene, 82nd Communications Squadron, is one such player. Brown said Greene is a very young talent with a tremendous upside. "As you might expect, he has tremendous speed, a very strong arm and an amazing amount of power at the plate, Brown said. "He is one of the young guys whose energy is contagious and he can help fire a team up." Staff Sgt. Steven Dale recently joined the team, but clearly is a young talent with some higher level softball experience, Brown said. Accompanying his superb on-field abilities is a noticeable love of the game. "He just picks his glove and bat up at any time and he is ready to go," Brown said. Another newcomer, from a different branch of the military, is Army Staff Sgt. Shawn Nunnally. Brown said Nunnally is lightning quick and explosive to the ball. However, the main thing you notice about him, he said, is his very quick bat and uncanny power. For someone who is literally one of the smaller players on the team, he has a "big" bat. One other addition comes from Travis AFB, Calif., Staff Sgt. Marc West has been on the Travis varsity team. Brown said West is an extraordinarily skilled player, who really excels in the infield. He showcases a great love of just playing the game and all the skills a varsity level player should have. There are two or three veteran ball players who were on the Senator squad in years past who could help bring out the best the team has to offer. Brown said first year Senator, but veteran varsity player, Tech. Sgt. Clint Wilkerson brings stability, consistency and a calming effect. "He is the kind of quiet leader whose presence and ability make you a little more at ease on the field," he said. Brown said he also brings excellent skills on both sides of the ball. Two other veteran players who seem to be reborn this year are Joe Calderon and Master Sgt. Brian Seddon. Maybe they are motivated by the new players, new team or new on-field environment, Brown said, but they have been "ripping the cover off the softball" at practice. This year's Senator team seems to enjoy themselves when practicing or playing, the coach said. This is a key element that Brown said he wants to emphasize all year. "It's still a game," he said, "and when you stop having fun, you stop playing well". Brown said while there will probably need to be a period of growth and maturation for such a new squad, he expects big things from this team this year. "If we can take some time to just get ourselves adjusted right, I really do foresee great things happening."