As the new season approaches, expectations are high for the Lake Central High School baseball team. After an impressive 2024 season that culminated in them being crowned 4A State Champions, the team is looking to continue their winning ways. We sat down with Coach Mike Swartzentruber to get a preview of what fans can expect from the team this year.
One of the biggest strengths of the team this year is their strong group of returning players. This includes seniors Ryder Fernandez, Drew Kosteba, Josh Flores, Luke O'Keefe, and Grant Mercer, all of whom have committed to play at the collegiate level. With their experience and leadership, these players will be key to the team's success.
In addition to these returning starters, Coach Swartzentruber also mentioned that there are other players who were not full-time starters last year but have gained valuable experience. These players will also play a crucial role in the team's success this season.
When it comes to team captains, Coach Swartzentruber looks for players who are all about the program first and are willing to go above and beyond to maintain the integrity and culture of the team. This year's captains include Jake Figg and Zach Nicola, who were both varsity contributors in 2024. Other players who were part of the varsity team last year and are expected to make a significant impact this season are Luke Halfeld, Tyler Colburn, Jacob Zimmerman, Victor Villegas, and Dylar Hein. In addition, newcomers Tyler Thuftedal and Keegan O'Bryan are also expected to contribute to the team's success.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial components of the team's success, and Coach Swartzentruber makes sure to foster a strong bond among the players. They select a leadership council in the fall and encourage team get-togethers throughout the year to build a strong connection among the players. This approach has been instrumental in the team's success in the past and will continue to be a focus this season.
When it comes to motivating players to reach their full potential, the team does a lot of competitive activities both in and outside of practice. This helps keep the players hungry and focused on their goals. The team also emphasizes the mental aspect of the game, incorporating mental rehearsal, imagery work, and breathing exercises to help players handle pressure and adverse situations.
Preparing for the season has not been without its challenges. With the team's success in the past, they now have a target on their back, and Coach Swartzentruber emphasizes the importance of accountability and making the right choices both on and off the field. The team also faces a tough schedule, with games against top teams in the state as well as out-of-state opponents to ensure they are truly tested before the state tournament.
When it comes to the team's gameplay, Coach Swartzentruber's philosophy is to focus on top-end pitching, team defense, and speed. The team does a lot of speed work in practice, which translates into their running game, an aspect that they believe can give them an advantage. The team also spends a lot of time in the weight room, emphasizing the importance of physical conditioning.
As the team looks to repeat their success from last year, they continue to work on their strengths while also addressing any weaknesses. With a strong group of returning players, talented newcomers, and a dedicated coaching staff, the Lake Central High School baseball team is ready to take on the competition and make another run at the state title. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive season from this team, as they strive to meet their goals of winning their conference, achieving 20+ wins, and advancing deep into the state tournament.
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