As the new season approaches, fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating the start of another exciting year for the Manheim Township High School baseball team. Coach Matt Kirchoff, who has been at the helm of the team for the past four years, is optimistic about the upcoming season and shared his thoughts on the team's top players, new additions, preparation, and goals.
Coach Kirchoff highlighted a few key players who will play a crucial role in the team's success this season. One of the top returning players is Jack Kenneff, a senior shortstop and right-handed pitcher. Kenneff's strong leadership skills and all-around athleticism make him a valuable asset to the team. Coach Kirchoff also mentioned that Kenneff is one of the players who is in the running for the captaincy role.
Other notable returning players include Braden Leed and Tyler Shirk, both right-handed pitchers who have committed to play at the collegiate level. Alex Miller, a left-handed pitcher who has committed to Thomas Jefferson University, and Jacob Carrasco, a sophomore catcher, are also expected to make a significant impact this season.
Coach Kirchoff also highlighted a few new players who are expected to make an immediate impact on the team. Braden Leed, a right-handed pitcher, has committed to play at Penn State and has been a varsity starter for the past three years. Tyler Shirk, another talented right-handed pitcher, has already proven himself by beating the 2020 State Champion Hempfield High School twice last year. Alex Miller, a left-handed pitcher who has committed to Thomas Jefferson University, and Jacob Carrasco, a sophomore catcher, are also expected to contribute to the team's success.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Kirchoff looks for players who possess strong leadership qualities. He mentioned that Jack Kenneff is one of the players who is in the running for the captaincy role due to his leadership skills and experience on the team.
One of the biggest challenges in preparing for this season has been the high expectations for the team. Coach Kirchoff stated that there is an expectation within the program, coaches, players, and community to always compete and be successful. With the departure of a large senior class from 2024, the team is facing the challenge of replacing key players.
The team's schedule for this season includes tough opponents such as Hempfield, Warwick, and Ephrata, all of which they will face twice. These games will provide a good test for the team and allow them to see how they stack up against top competition. Coach Kirchoff mentioned that he is looking forward to these games as they will provide a great opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and compete at a high level.
When asked if his coaching style has changed from previous seasons, Coach Kirchoff stated that he has always believed in the importance of handling failure and moving on from negativity. He emphasized that baseball is a game of failure and that being able to handle it is crucial for the team's success.
Coach Kirchoff shared that the team has made some changes and improvements to their training and conditioning program. He mentioned that the ability to handle failure and move on from negativity has been a focus in their training, as it is a crucial aspect of the game. The team has also been working on improving their physical strength and mental toughness to prepare for the demands of the season.
According to Coach Kirchoff, the team's biggest strength lies in their ability to improve throughout the season. With a young team and many new players, the team will continue to develop and get better as the season progresses. However, their biggest weakness is the lack of experience with the departure of a large senior class from 2024. Coach Kirchoff believes that this will challenge the team, but it will also provide an opportunity for younger players to step up and make an impact.
Coach Kirchoff's goals for the season remain the same as always – to win the week and try to take 2 out of 3 games each week. He believes that by focusing on one game at a time and continuously improving, the team will have a successful season.
In conclusion, the Manheim Township High School baseball team has a mix of experienced players and talented newcomers who are ready to make an impact on the field. With a challenging schedule and high expectations, the team will face some obstacles, but they are prepared to work hard and improve throughout the season. With strong leadership, a focus on handling failure, and a determination to compete, the team is poised for another exciting season. Fans can look forward to seeing the team in action and witnessing their growth and success on the field.
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