As the spring season approaches, fans of Minnetonka High School's baseball team are eager to see what the team has in store for this year. After a successful season last year, the team is looking to continue their winning streak and make a name for themselves in the league. To get a preview of what's to come, we spoke with Coach Paul Twenge to learn more about the team's top returning players, new additions, and their goals and challenges for the upcoming season.
The Minnetonka High School team is known for its strong defense and pitching, and this year is no different. According to Coach Twenge, some of the top returning players from last season include Garrett Wheeler, Jake Musgjerd, and Carter Storts. These players have proven themselves on the field with their exceptional skills and leadership qualities. Musgjerd and Storts, both seniors, have been a part of the team for several years and have consistently shown their dedication and talent. Wheeler, a junior, has also made a name for himself with his impressive performance on the field.
One of the key aspects of a successful team is the ability to work together and support each other. Coach Twenge believes in building a strong team chemistry and camaraderie, which he plans to implement through effective communication among the players. This includes not only on-field communication but also off-field bonding activities to help the players get to know each other better. This year, the team will be led by captains Gus Berger and Lincoln Heitkamp, who have been selected based on their leadership skills and commitment to the team.
When it comes to motivation, Coach Twenge believes in the power of team dynamics. He believes that when players learn to depend on each other, they are motivated to do their best and push themselves to their full potential. This creates a sense of accountability among the players and encourages them to give their all on the field. As the saying goes, "Teamwork makes the dream work."
However, preparing for a new season also comes with its own set of challenges. Coach Twenge acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges this year is the team's young talent. With a roster filled with underclassmen, the team will have to work extra hard to compete against more experienced opponents. However, Coach Twenge believes that if the players are determined and motivated, they can overcome this challenge and continue to improve with each game.
The Minnetonka High School team's schedule for this season is still being finalized, but Coach Twenge expects some tough opponents. He believes that playing against strong teams will help the players gain valuable experience and improve their skills. The team is also looking forward to their annual rivalry game against neighboring school, Wayzata High School.
For Coach Twenge, the mental aspect of the game is not a major focus. He believes that if the players are physically prepared and have a strong team dynamic, the mental aspect will take care of itself. However, he does emphasize the importance of keeping the players focused on the task at hand and not getting too caught up in the future.
In terms of training and conditioning, the team has been working on improving their hitting skills. Coach Twenge believes that with more instruction and practice, the team can become even stronger offensively. He also encourages the players to work on their individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as come together as a team to support each other's growth.
Coach Twenge's coaching philosophy revolves around the team's ability to play strong defense and have a solid pitching rotation. He believes that these are the team's strengths and will help them win games. However, he also acknowledges that youth is their downfall and plans on addressing this weakness through consistent practice and experience on the field. He also emphasizes the importance of hard work and discipline, both on and off the field, as reflected in the team's gameplay.
In conclusion, the Minnetonka High School baseball team has a lot to look forward to this season. With a strong core of returning players, new additions, and a dedicated coaching staff, the team is well-equipped to face any challenges that come their way. Coach Twenge's philosophy of teamwork and continuous improvement will undoubtedly guide the team to success. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive season from the Minnetonka High School baseball team this year.
Share With