As the spring season approaches, the Van Alstyne High School baseball team is gearing up for another exciting year on the diamond. The team is led by Coach Jimmy Haynes, who has been coaching for 45 years and has a wealth of experience and knowledge to bring to the team. In this preview article, we spoke with Coach Haynes about the team's top returning players, new additions, goals for the season, and more.
When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Haynes immediately pointed out the team's pitching and defense as key strengths. He specifically mentioned senior RHP Carter Upton, who throws in the mid-80s, and sophomore SS and RHP Landon Newkirk, who also throws in the mid-80s. Coach Haynes also highlighted junior RHP Hayden Bietz, who will be the team's number-one pitcher this season. These players have the ability to dominate on the mound and make big plays on the field, making them special and valuable assets to the team.
In terms of new players, Coach Haynes mentioned that So. SS Landon Newkirk will also be a key player this season. He is a newcomer to the team but has already shown great potential and will be looking to make an immediate impact. Another new addition is So. RHP Landon Newkirk, who also throws in the mid-80s. Coach Haynes believes that these new players will bring a new level of talent and depth to the team.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Haynes looks for players who lead by example and have a strong work ethic. He specifically mentioned Landon Newkirk as a standout player in this regard. However, he does not solely rely on team captains to lead the team and believes that every player has a responsibility to contribute to the team's success.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial for any successful team, and Coach Haynes understands this. He mentioned that the team does a lot of team-building activities during the off-season to help build a strong bond between the players. This not only helps on the field but also creates a positive and supportive environment for the players.
Motivation is also a key factor in pushing players to reach their full potential. Coach Haynes and his coaching staff make sure to set high expectations for their players and constantly challenge them to improve. They also focus on the mental aspect of the game and use an intensive mental training course during the off-season to prepare the players for the challenges ahead.
As with any team, there are always challenges to overcome in preparation for a new season. For the Van Alstyne High School team, Coach Haynes mentioned that finding a catcher and deciding on the middle infielders and third baseman have been the biggest challenges. However, he is confident that the team will overcome these obstacles and be ready for the season.
Speaking of the season, Coach Haynes mentioned that they have a tough schedule ahead of them. They will be facing off against tough opponents, including Celina, who is a personal playoff team. This will be a challenge for the team, but Coach Haynes believes that it will only make them stronger and prepare them for their ultimate goal of winning a state championship.
When asked about any changes or improvements made to the team's training and conditioning program, Coach Haynes highlighted the importance of the mental aspect of the game. He mentioned that they take a serious approach to mental training and incorporate it into their off-season training. This helps the players develop a strong mindset and mental toughness, which is crucial in the game of baseball.
As for the team's strengths and weaknesses, Coach Haynes emphasized their mantra of pitching and defense. These have always been their key strengths, and they will continue to work on improving their offense and scoring runs. He also mentioned that the team places a strong emphasis on conditioning and weight training, which helps them maintain their strength and endurance throughout the season.
In terms of his coaching philosophy, Coach Haynes believes in the importance of pitching and defense. He also stresses the importance of hard work, discipline, and high expectations for his players. These values are reflected in the team's gameplay, as they always strive to be the best they can be and push themselves to reach their full potential.
In conclusion, the Van Alstyne High School baseball team has a strong group of returning players and new additions, a challenging schedule ahead, and a dedicated coaching staff. With their focus on pitching and defense, mental toughness, and team chemistry, they are well on their way to achieving their goals for the season. As Coach Haynes mentioned, their ultimate goal is to win a state championship, but for now, they are focused on winning a district championship and making it to the playoffs. The team and their fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive season ahead.
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