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Leopard switches into baseball mode -- for now
By BRANT JAMES © St. Petersburg Times, published February 28, 2001 BROOKSVILLE -- Drew Innes has been a wrestler/shortstop for the past several weeks. For the next month or so, he'll be a shortstop/wrestler. Back in a Hernando baseball uniform after finishing second in Class A in the 160-pound weight class at last weekend's state meet, the senior can alter his focus slightly. He still has a little more wrestling to take care of, however, as he is scheduled to compete in the national tournament March 21-25. Any wrestler who finished in the top two in their class in each state is eligible. For now, his loyalties are split. "I couldn't wait to get back to baseball, but I still have another month until nationals," Innes said. "That's a good opportunity for me. So I'll be doing double time, working baseball and then wrestle a bit." Innes had maintained the same schedule with the sports swapped during wrestling season, which makes him believe he should catch up with the rest of the Leopards quickly. "There's some rust, definitely," he said. "I felt some in practice, but not as much as I thought." Innes will have to deal with a position change. He will take over at shortstop after playing second and third base last year. "The toughest part is fielding because my arm is not used to throwing," he said. "I have to work it back gradually so I don't hurt it." Innes already has had an arm injury this year. He sprained his left (non-throwing) shoulder in January and missed time wrestling. That time off actually might have made him stronger for his run for a district title and runner-up finish at state. "After I came off my injury, I was in really good shape," he said. "I just ran all the time because that was all I could do." RETURNING SOON: Hernando could have outfielder Stan Tarkowski back next week. Doctors set a March 5 return date for the senior following surgery to repair torn ligaments and a meniscus in his knee. Tarkowski was injured playing football during the fall. He has been lifting weights and shot-putting with the track team to stay active.
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