The Seaside softball program will give it another go with another coach in 2018.

Darren Ideue takes over the coaching duties — Seaside’s fifth coach in five years.

The father of one current and one former player, Ideue has gone to most Seaside softball games for the last seven years.

He takes over for Korie Blacker, who took over for co-coaches Jon Hotchkiss and Bill Westerholm, who replaced Jen Glasson in 2015.

Ideue is in it to win it, and hopefully here to stay. His team also had a 6-1 record after seven games.

“I’ve been to so many games, and I’m hoping to stop the revolving door and be a part of this program for a long time,” said Ideue, who knows all the Seaside players and has been active in the local softball community for years.

“As always, it seems like the teams we’re chasing are Banks and Scappoose,” Ideue said. “Valley Catholic and Seaside were pretty even last year, and of course we’re always going after our rivals from Astoria.”

Banks won the league title in 2017 with a 14-1 record, one game ahead of Scappoose (13-2). After that, it was Astoria (8-7), Tillamook (7-8), Seaside (2-13) and Valley Catholic (1-14).

Big changes are on the way for the Cowapa, when Scappoose makes the jump to the 5A level next school year.

Seaside lost just two seniors off the roster, but a few more have not returned, and several incoming freshmen have given the Gulls a new-look lineup.

Several familiar faces are back as well. Senior Jetta Ideue returns for her fourth year as Seaside’s starting pitcher.

Alyssa Goin and Viola Soprano are seniors, with Soprano looking to start at first base.

Senior Sequoia Shand returns at shortstop, with junior Emma Meyer returning as an infielder and the No. 2 pitcher behind Ideue. Junior Jenna Logan is listed as an infielder.

Back for their sophomore seasons are right fielder Candice Kerr and catcher Sidney Owsley.

A long list of freshmen includes Zoey Alexander, Bri Boyd, Kandice Flaigg, Emily Philbrook, Gracie Rhodes and Emma Taylor.

“This freshman class has a lot of experience with tournament ball, and maybe these kids can help put Seaside softball on the map,” coach Ideue said.

SEASIDE SOFTBALL

Coach: Darren Ideue, 1st year

2017: 5-20 (2-13 Cowapa)

All-league losses: GeriAnn Klaffke

All-league returners: Alyssa Goin, Jr., Jetta Ideue, Sr., Sidney Owsley, So., Sequoia Shand, Sr.