There is little doubt that Chapel Hill coach Mick Harper will be one of the busiest coaches in any sport this fall.

Harper has a new job, is an expectant father in late September and returns as the leader of a softball team capable of earning a top-8 spot in Class AAAAA and vieing for a state title in Columbus.

Harper begins his new position as County Instructional Math Coach this week. He’s one of three teachers involved in the new program. One thing for Harper is that it involves reporting to work at 7 a.m. several days a week.

While he won’t be spending all his time at CHHS, he doesn’t feel it will hurt his coaching duties for softball in the fall or baseball in the spring.

Losing only three starters via graduation, it’s no wonder Harper and Chapel Hill fans are excited about the upcoming season.

“We have high hopes for the season. We haven’t been to Columbus for a few years (although the Panthers have enjoyed success in the sectionals), and this team is capable of going a long way. Our goal is to win our region and go back to Columbus,” he said.

Chapel Hill did lose three starters, including Georgia signee Sara Sikes. The Lady Panthers will miss her outfield and pitching skills, but perhaps even more as a leader.

Pitching is always a key to any successful club, and Morgan Sikes and Courtney Watts are likely the region’s best 1-2 punch.

Region 4-AAAAA will use the same regular-season format as last season. Each school plays all of the 10 region teams once. The top three clubs could be the same as last fall.

CHHS likely returns the most starters, always-tough East Coweta lost its top two pitchers, but has been a traditional power along with Newnan.

Following the region tournament, the first and second rounds are now going to be played at the site of the higher seeded club. Those will be best 2-of-3 game series. Then the top eight teams go to Columbus for the State Tournament. The sectional round is eliminated.

The new format is much like baseball until the teams reach the elite eight.

“I really like the format. It’s something some of us have been pushing for. I think its the fairest way to have a champion, as well as send teams to the state,” said Harper.

Harper completed tryouts Tuesday night, and is still working on his varsity roster. He plans a pre-game scrimmage against Fayette County Tuesday before opening play in the aways-tough Sandy Creek Tournament Aug. 14.

“In one way or another, all our games are important,” said Harper.

Chapel Hill plays nine region games, three non-region contests and three tournaments.

They’ll play old rival Alexander (currenty in AAAA) at least twice. CHHS hosts the Lady Cougars Aug. 26 and meets them in the opening round of the Central Carroll Tournament Sept. 11. They could also play in the Sandy Creek Classic.

One returning starter, Lauren John, is returning from a summer injury. She can’t currently play in the field, but will be used as an extra hitter for now. She was expected to start at either catcher or first base.