As the high school baseball season approaches, the Andrean High School team is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and competitive year. Head coach Dave Pishkur sat down with us to give a preview of the team and share his insights on the upcoming season.
The team is fortunate to have several top returning players from last season. Coach Pishkur highlighted two players in particular, Mason Barth and Ivan Mastalski, who he believes will make a significant impact this year. Barth, a P-SS, has already committed to play at Notre Dame and has been recognized as an All-State player twice. Mastalski, an RHP, has also committed to play at a Division I school, Indiana University. Both players bring a wealth of talent and experience to the team, and their commitment to excellence on and off the field makes them special.
In addition to Barth and Mastalski, Coach Pishkur is also excited about the potential of two other new players, Braden Branigin and Trent Kulig. Branigin, an LHP, has committed to Lindenwood University, while Kulig, an RHP, has committed to John A Logan College. Both players have shown great promise and are expected to make an immediate impact on the team.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Pishkur looks for players who possess qualities such as leadership, dedication, and a strong work ethic. This year, the team has two standout players, Paxton Lukac, a sophomore OF, and Jet Dutton, a junior MI, who are in contention for the captain role. Both players have shown great potential and have earned the respect of their teammates.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential for a successful season, and Coach Pishkur and his coaching staff are well aware of this. With a tough schedule that includes games against strong opponents like Penn, Brother Rice, and Zionsville, building a strong team bond will be crucial. The team will also face tough competition from Guerin, Columbus North, Nazareth, St. Laurence, Hanover Central, and Fenwick. Coach Pishkur and his staff are committed to fostering a positive and supportive team environment to help the players thrive on and off the field.
When asked about any changes or improvements made to the team's training and conditioning program, Coach Pishkur emphasized the importance of physical fitness in baseball. The team has incorporated Velo bat training and vertical jump training into their program to improve players' strength, speed, and agility. These improvements will be crucial in helping the players perform at their best and stay injury-free throughout the season.
Every team has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Andrean High School team is no exception. Coach Pishkur believes that the team's biggest strength lies in their deep and talented pitching staff. With players like Mason Barth and Ivan Mastalski leading the way, the team is well-equipped to handle any challenge on the mound.
On the other hand, one area that Coach Pishkur plans to work on is the team's mental aspect of the game. While it may not be a glaring weakness, he understands the importance of having a strong and resilient mindset in baseball, and he is committed to helping his players develop this aspect of their game.
Coach Pishkur's coaching philosophy is reflected in the team's gameplay. He believes in building a team that is not only talented but also athletic and versatile. With a strong emphasis on pitching and defense, the team's goal is to be competitive by tournament time. Coach Pishkur and his coaching staff are dedicated to developing each player to their full potential, and this will be evident in the team's performance on the field.
In conclusion, the Andrean High School baseball team has a lot to look forward to this season. With a strong mix of returning players and talented newcomers, the team has the potential to achieve great success. With a focus on team chemistry, physical fitness, and mental toughness, Coach Pishkur and his staff are determined to guide the team to a successful season. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive season from the Andrean High School baseball team.
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