As the new baseball season approaches, the Shenango High School team is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and challenging year. We had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Mike Othites to get a preview of the team and their goals for the season.
When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Othites mentioned several standouts. He believes that Joe Campoli, Sam Patton, Tyler Houk, Christian Anterock, and Trey Ross will have a significant impact on the team this year. These players gained valuable experience during last season, and Coach Othites expects them to use that experience to lead the team to success. Each of these players brings something unique to the team, whether it's their skill on the field or their leadership qualities.
In addition to these returning players, Coach Othites also highlighted the qualities he looks for in potential team captains. He believes that being able to lead by example and having the respect of the rest of the team are crucial qualities for a captain. Currently, there are several players who are captains or are battling for that role, including Jamal Heaney, Jake Kielar, A.J. Ferilla, Dom Dando, Rickie Ziegler, Chad Christopher, and Jonathon Santangelo. Coach Othites believes that all of these players have a chance to see significant playing time and make a positive impact on the team.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential for any successful team, and Coach Othites has a plan in place to foster these qualities in the Shenango team. He believes that team bonding experiences, such as going to The Ripken Experience for Spring Training, will help the team bond and grow together. The team also participates in other activities outside of baseball, such as escape rooms, team meals, bowling, and Pickleball, to strengthen their relationships and build trust.
When it comes to motivating his players, Coach Othites believes that preparation is key. He expresses to his team that they are prepared for anything and gives them a motivation paper before each game to help them stay focused and driven. The team also faces challenges in preparing for the season, such as unpredictable Western Pennsylvania weather, which often limits their time to practice on the field. However, Coach Othites remains confident in his team's ability to adapt and overcome any challenges they may face.
Looking at the team's schedule for the season, Coach Othites acknowledges that there are some tough opponents and games that he is looking forward to. He believes that playing a difficult non-league schedule will help prepare the team for the playoffs. Additionally, being in a new section this year, Coach Othites recognizes that there are at least four other teams that could seriously contend for the title, making for an exciting and competitive season.
When asked about any changes or improvements made to the team's training and conditioning program, Coach Othites emphasized the importance of the mental aspect of the game. He believes that having a strong understanding of the game can make up for any physical inadequacies that some players may have.
As for the team's strengths and weaknesses, Coach Othites believes that their pitching is their greatest strength, with four to seven pitchers who can compete at the varsity level. However, he also acknowledges that hitting may be a weakness and plans to focus on improving this aspect of the game throughout the season.
Finally, Coach Othites shared his coaching philosophy and how it reflects in his team's gameplay. He believes that preparation and hard work are crucial for success. The team started training right after Christmas, giving them an early start at the bullpen, conditioning, weight lifting, hitting, and fielding. Coach Othites also recognizes the short season and the importance of staying consistent and avoiding slumps that could potentially hurt the team's performance.
In conclusion, the Shenango High School baseball team has high ambitions for the upcoming season, with their sights set on winning their section, becoming the WPIAL Champion of 2A, and advancing deep into the State playoffs. With a mix of experienced players and new talents, a focus on team chemistry and mental strength, and a dedicated coaching staff, the Shenango team has all the ingredients for a successful season. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to seeing their hard work and determination pay off on the field.
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