BOGUE CHITTO — What does Bogue Chitto fastpitch softball coachScott Leggett do for relaxation?

Answer: Leggett either plays or watches softball games in hisspare time.

Leggett’s attention to details and the mechanics of the gamehave helped him maintain an outstanding softball program at BogueChitto. For his accomplishments this spring, Leggett has beenselected The DAILY LEADER’s All-Area Fastpitch Softball Coach ofthe Year.

Leggett, who turned 31 years old Friday, is a 1993 Bogue Chittograduate. He knows athletic tradition runs deep at the Class 1Aschool.

“I enjoy coaching,” said Leggett. “I also have a good assistantcoach,” meaning his wife, Denise. They have a 15-month olddaughter, Alyssa.

His latest Bogue Chitto team finished 20-9. They lost toeventual state champion East Webster 1-0 in the South State titlegame. East Webster swept Ingomar in the state title series.

“I’m blessed to have the opportunity to coach these girls,” saidLeggett. “I couldn’t ask for a better group.”

Pitcher Meleah Brown, Bogue Chitto’s only senior member, was acatalyst in his team’s success. She was selected the DL’s MostValuable Player.

Originally, Leggett had designs on becoming an athletic trainer.He majored in sports medicine and minored in history. A teachingopportunity, along with a chance to coach, made him changecareers.

Usually, Leggett had 5 juniors, 3 sophomores, 1 senior and 1freshman in the starting lineup. Joining Brown were juniors:catcher Candace Avants, first baseman Dori Hall, shortstop DevonWelch, rightfielder Chelsey Miller and centerfielder LaToyaBraxton; and sophomores third baseman Jessie Miller and leftfielderShaquille Burton, and freshman second baseman Kelli Howard.

“Hopefully, we will be back to where we were at,” said Leggett,referring to his team’s strong showing in 2006. The Lady ‘Catsstarted slowly, losing 3 of their first 4 games. They were 5-7before launching a 15-game victory streak.

Many of Leggett’s girls played basketball and the season lasteduntil late February. Most of them were on BC’s slowpitch squadwhich finished state runner-up to Myrtle last fall.

Leggett said slowpitch can benefit fastpitch players in the longrun. “Slowpitch is where you get all of your defensive work in. Alot of schools are bringing slowpitch back.”

According to Leggett, there is a large amount of enthusiasticsupport for softball at Bogue Chitto. “Our community and principal(Bill McGehee) really support us.”

It will be a short summer for Leggett and his wife. Slowpitchsoftball practice begins July 24. Games begin in early August.