As the spring season approaches, there is much excitement surrounding the Aliso Niguel High School baseball team. With Coach Craig Hanson at the helm, the team is looking to continue their success from last year and reach even greater heights. Coach Hanson shared his thoughts on the team's goals, strengths and weaknesses, as well as some insight into their training and preparation for the season.
The overall goal for the team this season is to repeat as the Sea View League Champions and make a run in the CIF playoffs again. This is no easy feat, but Coach Hanson firmly believes that the key to success lies in staying healthy, developing team chemistry, and getting every player to buy-in to their roles. The returning players from last season will play a vital role in achieving the team's goals.
Junior Jarett Sabol, younger brother of professional baseball players, will be the team's number one catcher and bring a wealth of skills to the plate. Senior Brandon Tatch, a three-time All-League and All-CIF player, will return to the mound after recovering from elbow surgery. Senior Aaron Orwat, a two-year varsity starter at shortstop, will also be back to lead the team's defense. Junior Connor Etnire, who threw two complete games during CIF last year, will bring his impressive pitching skills to the mound again this season.
Senior Jonny Nadolski, last year's hitting leader, will provide speed and consistency to the team. There are also several notable honorable mention players such as Tyler Covington, Brandon Schaff, Tyler Geivet, Zach Boynton, and Jake Erenyi. In addition to these established players, Coach Hanson has high hopes for newcomer Andrew Watson, a sophomore who will add depth to the Wolverine bullpen and play third base and shortstop.
Leadership is a crucial aspect of success in any team sport, and Coach Hanson has chosen seniors Aaron Orwat and Tyler Covington as team captains. He looks for qualities such as being vocal, leading by example, and communicating consistently with the coaching staff in potential captains. Chemistry and camaraderie are essential elements of a cohesive team, and the Wolverines have been focusing on building these through strength training during the fall.
In addition, the team has weekly dinners to spend more time together outside of practice and school. In order to motivate the players to reach their full potential, Coach Hanson holds individual meetings with each player and emphasizes team goals, individual goals, leadership, and more.
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