As the spring season approaches, the Greece Arcadia Titans are gearing up for another exciting year of high school baseball. With a strong core of returning players and some promising new additions, the team is ready to compete and make their mark on the field. To get a better understanding of what we can expect from the Titans this season, we spoke to Coach Shane Ricci for a preview article.
The Titans have a talented group of players returning from last season, led by senior pitcher Andrew Reichert and senior pitcher Brady Parker. Both players possess strong arms and have the ability to dominate on the mound. Junior Brady Colbert and junior Joey Zona will also play key roles for the team this year. Colbert brings versatility as both an infielder and a pitcher, while Zona is known for his consistency at the plate.
What sets these players apart from the rest is their work ethic and determination. Coach Ricci emphasizes the team's focus on executing in key situations and relying on all nine players in the lineup to achieve their goals. These players have shown their commitment to the team and are ready to lead by example.
While the returning players will be crucial to the team's success, there are also some promising new additions that will make an immediate impact. Coach Ricci notes that this team has played together since Little League and has built a strong bond that will undoubtedly help them on the field. Among the newcomers, first baseman Blake Deforest, middle infielder and pitcher Alex Jussen, and left-handed pitcher Julio Sosa are expected to make significant contributions this season.
Team captains play a vital role in maintaining team chemistry and camaraderie. Coach Ricci looks for players who have the respect of their teammates, hold everyone accountable, and can be a spark when needed. This year, Reichert, Parker, Colbert, and Zona are the top contenders for this role.
To build strong team chemistry, Coach Ricci emphasizes the importance of building relationships both on and off the field. The team captains act as liaisons between the players and coaches, fostering a positive and supportive environment. This approach has helped the Titans cultivate a close-knit and hardworking team.
One of the biggest challenges for the team this season has been keeping a consistent group of players committed to the weight room and working with trainers to improve their strength and speed. However, this dedication to physical training will undoubtedly pay off on the field.
The Titans will have a tough schedule this season, facing tough opponents such as Greece Athena, Pittsford Sutherland, and Pittsford Mendon. Playing in one of the toughest sections in New York State and one of the toughest classes in Section V, there are no easy games for the Titans. However, this challenging schedule will only make the team stronger and better prepared for any competition.
Coach Ricci's coaching style has remained consistent, focusing on building relationships and fostering a positive mindset amongst his players. However, this season, the team has put a greater emphasis on the mental aspect of the game. The players have been working hard on visualizing pitches, tendencies, and outcomes to improve their performance at the plate.
The Titans' strengths lie in their pitching and ability to execute in key situations. However, Coach Ricci acknowledges that the team needs to improve their mental game and hitting techniques. To address these weaknesses, the team has focused on becoming bigger, and faster, and improving their hitting mechanics during the off-season.
In conclusion, the Greece Arcadia Titans are a determined and hardworking team, ready to compete against tough opponents this season. With a strong core of returning players and some impactful newcomers, the Titans are poised for success. With a focus on building relationships, improving their mental game, and honing their skills, the team is well-equipped for the challenges ahead. Be sure to catch the Titans in action this season and see them hit their peak by the third week of May.
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