As a coach, you always hope to have a strong core of returning players from the previous season. This year, the MaST Community Charter School baseball team is fortunate to have a talented group of players back on the field. Leading this group are seniors Keegan Kanagie and Tommy "Zaz" Zazulak, along with juniors AJ Santulli and Armando "Monty" Taglianetti.
Keegan Kanagie, who is in his final season of varsity baseball, is a two-way player who excels on the mound and in center field. He is a 5 tool player who can hit for average and power, steal bases, and track down balls in the gap. Coach Jack Lawson describes him as "shaping up to have his best season yet!" Kanagie's natural speed and athleticism make him a standout player on the field and a major asset to the team.
Tommy "Zaz" Zazulak is a third-year varsity player who can do it all on the field. He is a strong hitter and fielder, with a powerful arm at third base. However, it is his natural leadership abilities that make him stand out. According to Coach Lawson, Zazulak is the glue of the team and his presence on the field is crucial to their success.
AJ Santulli, also a third-year varsity player, has shown tremendous growth and determination since his freshman year. Starting as a catcher with no prior experience, Santulli has consistently exceeded expectations and has become a strong leader on the team. He is known for his calm and collected demeanor both on and off the field, and is also a stellar student in the classroom.
Armando "Monty" Taglianetti, known as Monty by his teammates, is another key player for the MaST team. He has been making an impact since his freshman year and has continued to excel in both offense and defense. As a shortstop, Monty is a 5-tool player who rarely lets anything by himself on the field. He is poised to have his best season yet and contribute to the team's success.
In addition to these returning players, freshman Spencer Money is also expected to make an impact on the team this season. Money impressed in his 8th-grade middle school championship game and has continued to showcase his skills on the mound during preseason training.
With such a strong core of players, the MaST team has set high goals for this season. Their main focus is to make a deep run in the District Playoffs, as their classification now has enough teams to form its own bracket. This new playoff format has given the team a renewed sense of determination and they are ready to give it their all on the field.
Apart from their on-field goals, the team is also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mental attitude and playing as a team. As Coach Lawson notes, "There is no 'I' in the team." The players draw inspiration from their hometown Super Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, and have adopted their unofficial motto for the season: "You can't be great without the greatness of others."
However, preparing for this season has come with its own set of challenges. Bad weather and limited facilities have made it difficult for the team to practice outdoors. They are unable to use their home field until the season begins, which has forced them to be creative with their training and conditioning program.
One aspect of the team's training that has remained a core value is the mental aspect of the game. Coach Lawson believes that this is something that some players have struggled with in the past and continues to be a point of emphasis for MaST. The team is drawing inspiration from the Eagles' masterclass on how to mentally succeed at a high level, and they are determined to apply that to their own game.
Looking ahead, the MaST team has a tough schedule for the season. They will face strong opponents, but they are eagerly anticipating the challenge. As Coach Lawson says, "We have a talented group of players who are ready to compete and give it their all. We are excited to see how far we can go and make our school proud." With a talented and determined team, the MaST Community Charter School can certainly expect an exciting and successful season ahead.
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