Worthington Kilbourne High School Baseball Season Preview

As Coach Kegan Lanter prepares for his team at Worthington Kilbourne High School for the upcoming season, there is a sense of excitement and determination in the air. The team is ready to take on new challenges and reach new heights. I had the pleasure of speaking with Coach Lanter about the team and what fans can expect from them this year. When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Lanter highlighted their goal of executing in high-pressure situations. He emphasized the importance of training and preparation in order to achieve success. The team has a strong core of returning players who have the experience and skills to excel on the field. Some of these players include Cam Fisher, a senior shortstop who was named to the 2024 All-District team, Hawthorne Kitay, a junior catcher who also made the All-District team, and Dante Pallante, a sophomore pitcher who was named to the 2024 All-OCC team. Coach Lanter also mentioned Dom Viggiano, a sophomore left-handed pitcher, as a potential impact player for the team. But it's not just about individual talent for this team. Coach Lanter looks for players who lead by example and consistently push their teammates to be better. He believes that there are many players on the team who fit this mold and can make an impact on the field. Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial components of any successful team. Coach Lanter shared that the team does not assign captains, but expects the senior class to work as a unit and set an example for future classes. This approach creates a sense of unity and responsibility within the team, fostering a strong bond between players. Motivation is key in any sport, and Coach Lanter knows this well. He believes in keeping things light and fun for his players, incorporating activities like dodgeball and basketball into their training. The team will also be taking a trip to Myrtle Beach for their spring training, giving them a chance to bond and relax before the season starts. Preparing for a new season can come with its own set of challenges, and Coach Lanter is no stranger to them. Dealing with space and facility issues is a common problem for a Midwest school, but Coach Lanter's mentality is to not make excuses. He instills in his players the mindset of being able to play and practice anywhere, even in a parking lot, if necessary. When it comes to the team's schedule, Coach Lanter acknowledges that it will be a challenging one. The team competes in the Ohio Capital Conference (OCC), one of the top conferences in Ohio, and will face tough opponents throughout the season. Coach Lanter mentioned their cross-town rivals, Thomas Worthington, and their "shared street" rivals, Dublin Scioto, as games the team is looking forward to. As the team prepares for the new season, Coach Lanter's coaching style has evolved. He now values the input of his players more and has designed training sessions to be more collaborative. This allows the players to have a sense of ownership and responsibility for their training, while also following designated drills from the coach. In addition, the team has also made changes to their offensive approach, but Coach Lanter is keeping it a secret for now. This shows the team's willingness to adapt and try new strategies in order to improve their game. Training and conditioning are crucial aspects of any team's preparation, and Coach Lanter shared some insights into the team's program. The team has been focusing on strength training for the past 20 weeks, broken down into different phases such as explosive, speed, and strength training. This comprehensive program will help the players physically prepare for the grueling season ahead. But it's not just about physical training for this team. Coach Lanter emphasizes the importance of the mental aspect of the game. The team has a motto of "So What?" displayed in their clubhouse, reminding them to focus on controlling the controllables and not dwelling on mistakes or setbacks. In conclusion, Coach Kegan Lanter and his team at Worthington Kilbourne High School are ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming season. With a strong core of returning players, talented newcomers, and a dedicated coaching staff, they are poised for success. Their focus on training, team chemistry, and mental toughness will surely make them a force to be reckoned with on the field. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive season from this determined team.