The Observer, March 25, 2005
Volume XXXVII, Issue 22
Senior pitcher Rutherford exemplifies determination
At the start of the 2005 season of Spartan softball, it appeared there might be a leadership vacancy. Of three seniors that had been with the team all three seasons, only pitcher Jackie Rutherford returned. With Crystal Compton and Liz Sherman choosing to hang up their cleats, Rutherford embraced a new challenge, as she has throughout her career.
"At first, it was really hard to think of the season without them, after having gone through so many 6 a.m. practices and trips together," she said.
Although she missed her departed teammates, she stepped forward, eager to lead a young team with many talented freshmen. Several weeks into the practice season, Rutherford and sophomore Leah Shook were voted team captains.
Her first year did not go exactly as planned. As a freshman, she was forced to change her mechanics, and the Spartans already had two All-UAA pitchers. She went from being the staff ace her final two years of high school to cheering from the bench. In spite of the situation, she found sources of support and inspiration. Reflecting on it, she said, "God has been the biggest source of encouragement and I hope I can glorify Him through playing. My family and my teammates pushed me, and I just loved the game so much that I couldn't give up without seeing if I could reach my potential."
She has experienced highs and lows along the journey. She said the hardest element is overcoming the loss of teammates for any reason, but that has been offset by achievement as well. Last season, coach Jennie Amodio issued Rutherford a plaque for the first annual "Heart Award" for giving her heart and soul for the team every time she set foot on the diamond.
For the second consecutive season, the Spartans depend on Rutherford as the ace of the pitching staff. At the UAA Tournament, she pitched more innings than any other pitcher in the league. She said that in some ways the absence of seniors – she and Rachel Moore are the only two – has been an advantage. In the past, she explained that many seniors were ready to move to the next point in their lives and they lost focus on the game. This team, however, "has a strong desire to be part of the team and play as a team. No one wants practice to be cancelled, and that motivates everyone."
The last scheduled game against Lake Erie College was cancelled due to weather and field conditions, which is common during the spring. There are three contests scheduled for the next week: today vs. Denison at 3:30 p.m., tomorrow vs. Kenyon College at 1:00 p.m. and Monday vs. Bluffton University at 3:00 p.m. All three games will be played at Tony Brush Field in Little Italy.
