New Franklin High School Baseball Season Preview

As the high school baseball season approaches, the New Franklin High School team is gearing up for another successful year. With experienced players, a strong coaching philosophy, and a focus on teamwork and mental fortitude, the team is poised to make a run for the state championship. Coach Erich Gerding is entering his fifth year as head coach at New Franklin High and is excited about the potential of this year's team. When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Gerding highlighted the senior class, including Tanner Bishop, Drew Rhorer, Connor Wilmsmeyer, Luke Poulsen, Sawyer Felten, Dalton Ivy, and Jake Marshall. These players have been a part of the team for multiple years, giving them a strong bond and sense of chemistry on the field. Their knowledge and experience will be instrumental in leading the team to success. One of the reasons these players stand out is their dedication and work ethic. Coach Gerding emphasizes the importance of being present and putting in the work every day. This constant commitment to improvement has helped these players develop their skills and become leaders on the team. Their hard work and passion for the game make them special assets to the team. While the senior class will be leading the team, there are also some new players who Coach Gerding expects to make an immediate impact. These players have been working hard during off-season training and have impressed the coaching staff with their skills and potential. New Franklin High is fortunate to have a strong pool of young talent that can contribute to the team's success. When it comes to coaching style, Coach Gerding believes in treating every opponent equally and preparing for each game with the same level of intensity. This approach has served the team well and has helped them have success against a tough baseball conference. Coach Gerding also recognizes the importance of mental strength in the game. As he has gained experience as a coach, he has become more laid back during games and prioritizes having conversations with players to build their mental fortitude. To help players develop their mental resilience, the team focuses on the mental aspect of the game in practice as well. They reinforce this through discussions and practice activities. As the saying goes, "baseball is 90% mental." The team at New Franklin High understands the importance of having a strong mindset and works on developing this aspect of their players' game.