As the new high school baseball season approaches, fans of Pulaski County High School are eager to see what the team has in store for this year. To get a better understanding of what to expect, we sat down with Coach Greg Allen for a preview of the team's top returning players, new additions, and the overall outlook for the season.
When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Allen was quick to highlight Kaleb Sartin, Zack Dalton, Brogan Epperly, and Andrew Newberry. These players are not only talented on the field, but they also bring valuable leadership qualities to the team. Sartin, a returning All-state and All-region player, is known for his skills as a leadoff hitter and as a middle infielder. Dalton, also a returning All-region player, serves as the team's catcher and leader on the field. Epperly, a versatile player who can play first base and pitch, is a reliable and effective player for the team. Newberry, who plays at third base, is another leader on the team and brings a strong presence both on and off the field.
Looking at the new players who are expected to make an immediate impact, Coach Allen mentioned Aiden Whitlock, who will play in the middle infield. With his skills and determination, Whitlock is expected to be a strong addition to the team this year. When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Allen looks for players who lead by example and show love for their teammates. This season, the captains are Dalton, Newberry, Chase Lawrence, and Epperly, who have already shown their leadership abilities and are respected by their fellow players.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial elements for success on the field, and Coach Allen understands the importance of building a strong bond between his players. He believes that the team's success last year was in part due to their tight-knit relationships, and he expects the returning players to continue to lead by example and foster a positive team dynamic.
Motivation is a key factor in pushing players to reach their full potential, and Coach Allen has a simple yet effective approach. He believes that by focusing on improvement and having a purpose in everything they do, his players can fail and improve at the same time. This mindset allows them to continuously strive for improvement and push themselves to be the best they can be.
Preparing for the new season has not come without its challenges, and weather has been a major factor for the team. However, Coach Allen and his players remain focused on their goal of improving daily and weekly in the areas of the game that they give attention to. As for the team's schedule, Coach Allen acknowledges that it is always tough, with tough opponents such as Lord Botetourt, Blacksburg, Cave Spring, Hidden Valley, Salem, and Christiansburg. These games will surely test the team's skills and determination, and Coach Allen is looking forward to seeing how his players rise to the challenge.
When it comes to his coaching style, Coach Allen believes in being consistent with his expectations while also constantly trying to improve as a coach, leader, and human being. He has noticed that as he gets older, he has become more patient, which has had a positive impact on his coaching. He also emphasizes the importance of mental focus and preparation in baseball, and the team uses various visualization tools to help them stay mentally sharp throughout the season.
As with any team, there are strengths and weaknesses that need to be addressed. Coach Allen believes that one of the team's biggest strengths is their fundamental soundness, especially on defense. They aim to play "boring baseball," making routine plays and minimizing errors. However, he also recognizes that there is always room for improvement, particularly with their approach at the plate. The team will work on competing better in 2-strike counts and staying ahead in the count to become more effective hitters.
In terms of training and conditioning, many of the players take a physical conditioning class at the school with football coach Coach Akers. This has helped the team improve physically, giving them an edge on the field. Coach Allen also stresses the importance of mental conditioning and how it can impact the team's performance. He believes that by using visualization tools, the team can mentally prepare themselves to perform at their best during games.
In conclusion, Coach Allen's coaching philosophy centers around being fundamentally sound and constantly striving for improvement. With a strong core of returning players and promising new additions, Pulaski County High School's baseball team is set to have a successful season. Their focus on mental and physical conditioning, along with their determination to improve daily, will surely make them a formidable opponent on the field. Fans of the team can look forward to an exciting and competitive season ahead.
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