Q&A with Genoa Central Head Coach Chase Brewster

November 7, 2014

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

Genoa Central has been on a good run winning 2 of the past 3 state championships in the 3A classification. The Dragons look to defend their state title again this year. I had the opportunity to talk with first year head coach Chase Brewster. Brewster, replaces Jonathan Gosdin as he departed to coach at Magnolia High School. Even though Coach Brewster is new at the helm, he is not new to the Genoa Central. He has been the pitching coach on the two state title teams.

PBR: State championships are a huge accomplishment, what was the biggest key to your team’s success last spring?

Brewster: One of the biggest keys I believe is the fact that the majority of the group played together since they were babies. Coach Huff did a great job getting them together in select ball, and they all stayed together and played together in high school. It was one big family that played together through most of the season. It also didn’t hurt that we had a division 1 pitcher that won every big game that we asked him too along the way, as well as a sophomore who did the same.

PBR: Who were they key losses off last year’s roster?

Brewster: We lost nine seniors off of last year’s team, and had two players transfer. We also lost our head coach, Coach Gosdin.

PBR: Did any 2014 graduates continue their playing careers if so where?

Brewster: Dillion Drabble signed with UCA, and Cole Beckham signed with Arkansas Tech.

PBR: Have you had any 2015 graduates commit to play after high school? If so where?

Brewster: We have had two early commitments so far. Shortstop Garrett Huff is committed to Arkansas State and outfielder/pitcher Cale Ridling is committed to UALR.

PBR: Who are your unsigned/ uncommitted 2015 grads that are looking to continue their careers?

Brewster: Switch hitting second baseman Austin Cutchall and catcher Devin Royse are both looking to continue their careers at the next level. Trevor Day could have a chance to pitch at the next level if that’s something he decides to do.

PBR: What would you say will be the biggest strength of the 2015 team?

Brewster: Hopefully leadership will be one of our biggest strength. Anytime you return 16 varsity players, 7 of which are seniors, you would hope that leadership is a strength. Losing Drabble on the mound hurts, but returning the rest of your rotation should be a plus if we get the innings out of guys that we expect to get. We also return our lead off, two hole, and four hole hitters, so hopefully that will help us as well.

PBR: What is the biggest area of concern for you and your coaching staff for this season?

Brewster: Replacing Drabble is the biggest area of concern at the moment. The easy answer is that Swecker will replace Drabble, which we all hope is true. The problem with that is then you have to replace Swecker. We were very lucky to have two aces last year. Finding a leftfielder and third baseman are both on the agenda as well.

PBR: Who are the seniors you are looking to have a large impact on this season?

Brewster: Obviously we expect a lot out of Huff and Ridling. They’re both returning all-state players who played very well for us last year. Returning second baseman Austin Cutchall, and returning catcher Devin Royse should both have very good years as well, after great junior seasons. Trevor Day and Dustin Grammer should lead us on the mound at the front of our rotation, as well as filling in at different spots on the field.

PBR: Who are some underclassmen people need to watch for this spring?

Brewster: Justin Swecker will be a key player for us this spring. He was our ace as a freshman in 2013 after our top two arms went out with injury. He went 7-2 that year, only losing to Fordyce and Harding Academy, both who played in the state finals that year. He went 7-0 last year as our number two behind Drabble. Tyler Moreland, sophomore outfielder/pitcher, and Jacob Knotts, junior infielder/pitcher, are also very good players that we are expecting a lot out of as well. Junior’s Hayden Hampton, Miller Clinton, and Ethan Tomlinson, sophomore’s Hunter Kelly and Tyler Campell, and freshman Garrett Cook will all have to contribute for us as well to get back to where we want to be.

PBR? Is your team attending any tournaments out of state?

Brewster: We are not. We are hosting our first ever invitational, which we are excited about. We are also playing in the Horatio Tournament, which we have won the last four years in a row.

PBR: Who are some teams to watch for this season as you try to repeat?

Brewster: I think Smackover will be the team to beat. Their ace (Logan Clark) is committed to UCA, and have two other kids committed to Henderson State. We played them in the regional finals last year. I also think Fordyce and Lamar will be very good. Both only lost one player off of last year’s team as far as I have heard. I am very excited to say that we will play all three teams this year on our schedule.

Q&A with Genoa Central Head Coach Chase Brewster

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