As the new season approaches, the Whitko High School baseball team is ready to take on the challenge of competing for a Conference title and a chance to win a Sectional. Coach Cody York is confident in his team's ability and has set ambitious goals for the season. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented new players, the team is poised to make a strong impact this year.
One of the biggest strengths of the team this year is the group of top returning players from last season. Seniors Riley Harman, Breyden Kirkdorffer, Easton Grable, Ethen Morris, Kale Hepler, and Sophomores Crew Ebbinghouse and Daton Day have all played a key role in turning the program around and setting an example of hard work and determination. Coach York praises their experience and drive to finish what they started, making them an essential part of the team.
Aside from the returning players, Coach York also has high expectations for some new additions to the team. Junior Landon Smith is expected to be a strong leader with his team-first mentality, while freshmen Chandler Cox and Hunter Long are likely to compete for starting positions due to their impressive skills and competitive drive.
When it comes to team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach York emphasizes the importance of choosing the right team captains. He looks for players who consistently do the right thing on and off the field, representing the Whitko baseball program with pride and excellence. Landon Smith, Riley Harman, Crew Ebbinghouse, and Easton Grable are all potential candidates for this important role.
To motivate his players to push themselves to their full potential, Coach York plans various team-building activities outside of baseball, such as playing Blitz ball, having a team pizza night, and watching games together. He also has a collegiate trip planned for the team this season, which he believes will be fun and exciting for the players.
One of the biggest challenges the team faces this season is limited gym time and players juggling multiple sports, making it difficult to attend open gyms and prepare for the season. However, Coach York continues to motivate his players by reminding them of their goals and challenging them to be the best versions of themselves both on and off the field.
The team's schedule this season includes tough opponents and new schools added to the conference schedule. Coach York believes that these early tests will prepare the team for the competitive conference games and help them improve as a team.
When it comes to coaching style, Coach York reflects on his growth as a coach and constantly strives to better himself. He believes that not every player is hungry to improve, but he continues to challenge them to be in constant pursuit of perfection. This philosophy is evident in the team's gameplay, where they never give up and fight until the very end.
The mental aspect of the game is crucial for the team's success, and Coach York emphasizes the importance of controlling what they can control and learning from their failures. He also encourages his players to reflect on themselves and improve as individuals, just as he does as a coach.
In terms of training and conditioning, Coach York has made sure that it is a significant part of the team's preparation. He believes that it is essential for the players to understand the importance of taking care of their bodies and learning from their failures.
Overall, Coach York's coaching philosophy revolves around never giving up and always fighting until the end. With a strong mix of experienced players and talented new additions, the Whitko High School baseball team is ready to take on the challenge and make a mark in the upcoming season.
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