Caster takes reins of Viking baseball

WILL CASTER [Order this photo]

Community High has hired 13-year veteran Will Caster as head baseball coach. He replaces Josh Burrahm, who resigned after three seasons.

Caster coached the past three seasons at Cannon County, leading them to a 33-51 record including a 19-12 season in 2009.

The Kent State graduate and father of one brings a wide array of experience to the Viking program. He spent two years as an assistant at Memphis Whitehaven before moving on to Memphis Hillcrest, where he led his squad to four sub-state appearances in eight years.

"I am excited to be here and to be a part of the Viking program," Caster said. "I am even more excited that we are moving into a new school as I have never experienced that in all my years of teaching.

"Everyone here in the community has been really positive and friendly. They have gone out of their way to make me feel at home. I can't wait to get started."

Caster is not totally unfamiliar with Bedford County athletics. His Cannon County team played the Vikings three years ago in the Cascade pre-season tournament.

"I remember that we had a very competitive tournament when we came down here and we were impressed with the area then," Caster said. "The area has a rich tradition of athletic excellence and they always seem to have a rabid fan base."

Sixteen student-athletes attended Caster's first Community tryout. He inherits a senior-laden team that finished 10-15 last season and appears to have the perfect blend of youth and experience.

Caster will reap the benefits of an excellent group of incoming freshmen that has been very successful the past two seasons under the tutelage of middle school coach Mark Neill and his staff.

"I am very fortunate to have such a solid feeder program and I look forward to being involved in all aspects of baseball in Unionville," Caster said. "I am grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to continue building our program into one that we can all be proud of."