Golden Falcons' Rose blooms as understudy

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on June 7, 2014 11:08 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

RALEIGH -- Haley Rose is your typical understudy.

She does most of the "behind-the-scenes" work as the backup catcher who helps keep Charles B. Aycock's pitching staff sharp.

Standing with her teammates among the third-base line, Rose unexpectedly stepped into the spotlight Friday evening. The Golden Falcon senior received the team's sportsmanship award presented by the N.C. High School Athletic Assocation before Game 1 in the championship series against Sun Valley.

A humble Rose accepted the award and walked back to her teammates, who greeted her with loud applause and cheers.

"She knows her role (and) is a constant presence in the dugout," second-year CBA head coach Emily Burke said. "She's like a 'little mom,' she takes care of everybody. She hasn't played very much her senior year, but you would never know.

"She doesn't complain, she does everything that we ask her to do and she hustles just as hard as anybody else."

Rose, who played JV last season, has appeared in just seven games this season. She's driven in a pair of runs and scored twice for Aycock, which made its second trip to the state finals in the past three years.

During warm-ups before Friday's game, Rose donned her catcher's gear and headed toward the bullpen area. While starter Abbie Walton warmed up Allie Phillips, Rose crouched a few feet over and caught for Meredith Burroughs.

"She is probably one of the best bullpen catchers I've ever seen because she keeps the girls focused, keeps them relaxed," Burke said. "She comes back and reports to me everything that I need to know. She's very honest."

Rose, on occasion, stepped onto the diamond to warm up Phillips while Walton put on her gear between innings. When she returned to the dugout, she received a pat on the back and walked back to her customary spot.

Once the gear came off, she constantly encouraged her teammates on the field.

Just like a mom.