As the spring season approaches, the Rochester Area High School baseball team is gearing up for another exciting year of competition. With a strong core of returning players and some promising new additions, the team is focused on making a run for the playoffs while also striving to improve with each practice and game. We had the opportunity to speak with Head Coach Todd Weischedel about his expectations for the team, the importance of team chemistry, and their training and conditioning program.
One of the key factors in the team's success this year will be their top returning players. Coach Weischedel highlighted the following players as ones to watch out for on the field: Justin Schurr, Logan Lyons, Max Lyons, Jett Williams, Devin Woodly, and Cole Poplin. Schurr, a senior, will be leading the pitching staff with his strong arm and leadership skills.
The Lyons brothers, Logan and Max, will be a force in the infield, with Logan taking on a leadership role and Max showing promise as a sophomore. Williams and Woodly, both sophomores, will be leading the batting lineup with their power-hitting abilities. Popplin, a junior, will be patrolling the outfield in center field and using his speed to make plays. These players all bring something special to the team, whether it be their skills, leadership, or work ethic.
In addition to the returning players, Coach Weischedel is also excited about some of the new additions to the team. He mentioned freshman Keegan Currie as a potential impact player, especially behind the plate as the catcher. Currie has already shown great potential in controlling the pitching staff and leading the defense. With such a young player stepping up, it shows the depth and talent of this team.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Weischedel is not looking for specific players to fill that role. Instead, he believes in a team where everyone leads by example. This means putting in the work on and off the field, representing oneself and the team with integrity, and buying into the program. However, some players who are standing out in terms of leadership are seniors Logan Lyons and Justin Schurr. They have both shown a strong work ethic and dedication to the team, making them potential candidates for the role of captain.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential for any successful team. Coach Weischedel plans on building this through daily practices and team bonding activities. He emphasized the importance of everyone buying into the program and working towards a common goal. The team will also be doing activities outside of baseball to strengthen their bond and create a positive team culture.
The team's schedule for this season is a tough one, with many competitive opponents. Coach Weischedel believes that every game is a test for both the players and the staff. They will be facing tough competition and will need to bring their A-game to every game. The coach also mentioned that being a small school, many of the players also participate in other sports, making it challenging to pull them away for baseball. However, this also means that the players are well-rounded athletes with different skill sets and experiences.
When it comes to coaching style, Coach Weischedel believes in a modern approach. This includes incorporating data and technology into practices and games. The staff will be utilizing data analysis before, during, and after practices and games to make informed decisions. The players have already bought into this aspect of the game and are also working on becoming 5-tool players, with a focus on the physical and mental aspects of the game.
Speaking of the mental aspect, Coach Weischedel believes it is crucial for his team's success. Baseball is a game of failure, and it is essential to have a strong mental game to overcome mistakes and bounce back. The staff is teaching the players to "get the next one" and not dwell on one mistake. This mentality is crucial for building resilience and confidence on the field.
This year, the team has a new training and conditioning program, which is a significant improvement from previous seasons. The players have been using Coach Weischedel's indoor training facility, where they follow a full program of driveline throwing and hitting. They also use technology such as Hittrax and Rapsodo to analyze and improve their swings and spin rates. This modern approach to training has already shown promising results, and the team plans on continuing to incorporate it into their practices and games.
As with any team, there are strengths and weaknesses that the Rochester Area High School baseball team will need to address to reach their goals. One of their strengths is their strong core of returning players, as well as the addition of new talented players. They also have a solid training and conditioning program in place. However, one area that they will need to work on is their consistency throughout the season. Coach Weischedel believes that if they can stay focused and work on improving their weaknesses, they have a good chance of making a playoff run.
In conclusion, the Rochester Area High School baseball team is ready for a competitive and successful season. With a mix of experienced and new players, a strong focus on mental and physical aspects of the game, and a modern approach to coaching, they are determined to make their mark on the field. The players have bought into the program and are working hard to reach their goals, and with the guidance of Coach Weischedel and his staff, this team has the potential to achieve great things this season.
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