As the 2025 baseball season approaches, Coach David Burkett and his team at Tuslaw High School are gearing up for another year on the field. After a 12-15 overall record and a 3-11 record in the PAC-7 conference last season, the team is determined to improve and make a name for themselves in their league. I had the chance to speak with Coach Burkett about the upcoming season and get his thoughts on the team's strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Burkett highlighted Landon Gannet, Jr. and Cam Stevens, Jr. as the key players to watch. Gannet, a 1B/LHP, is known for his strong offensive skills and work ethic, while Stevens, a C/RHP/Inf, is expected to bring a lot of potential to the team this season. Coach Burkett also mentioned that Stevens will need to work on his offensive numbers, but his catching abilities and pitching potential make him a valuable asset to the team.
As for new players who are expected to make an immediate impact, Coach Burkett has his eye on freshman infielder Luke Betz. Betz has shown great potential and could contend for a starting position on the team. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Burkett looks for players who possess leadership qualities both on and off the field. He mentioned that the decision will be made once the season begins, and he sees which players step up and take on that role.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential for any successful team, and Coach Burkett has plans to promote it this season. He mentioned a team retreat and a trip to attend a Cincinnati Reds game as team-building activities. These experiences will not only help the team bond but also give them a chance to relax and have fun outside of the field.
Motivating players to reach their full potential is a crucial aspect of coaching, and Coach Burkett has found success in doing so through a combination of team activities and individual goal-setting. He mentioned an overnight retreat and end-of-the-year evaluations where players are asked to plan a schedule of opportunities to improve themselves. This approach not only helps the players grow but also creates a sense of accountability and ownership in their development.
The biggest challenge in preparing for this season has been the ongoing changes in players' goals and commitments. Coach Burkett mentioned that some players have decided not to play this season, which has resulted in the team having to make adjustments. However, he believes that this will not hinder the team's performance and is confident in the remaining players' abilities.
Looking at the team's schedule for this season, Coach Burkett mentioned that the PAC-7 conference will be competitive as always. The team has 27 games scheduled, with a mix of tough opponents and games that they are looking forward to. Coach Burkett believes that playing against strong teams will only make the team better and help them prepare for the playoffs.
When it comes to his coaching style, Coach Burkett mentioned that he has made some changes from the previous season. The team's focus this year is to be more competitive in the league and improve their ability to finish games. Coach Burkett and his coaching staff have been working on fundamental skills and mindset with the players to achieve this goal.
Coach Burkett's coaching philosophy revolves around the idea that the mental aspect of the game is just as important as the physical. He believes that baseball is a game of failures, and it is essential to teach players how to handle and learn from those failures. Along with weight training and hitting opportunities, the team has been working on improving their mental toughness and mindset to overcome any challenges they may face on the field.
As for the team's strengths and weaknesses, Coach Burkett mentioned that they are fortunate to have six returning lettermen and about 70% of their pitching back. However, their offensive mentality at the plate is an area they need to improve on. To address this weakness, the team has been focusing on fundamental skills and working on their approach to the plate.
In conclusion, the Tuslaw High School baseball team is determined to have a successful season in 2025. With a mix of experienced players and new talent, Coach Burkett and his coaching staff have been working hard to improve the team's weaknesses and build on their strengths. Their goal is to be more competitive in the league and make a strong push towards the playoffs. With the right mindset and determination, this team has the potential to achieve great things this season.
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