Last year, the Warren Central baseball team had a rough season. With constant coaching changes to not having success on the field, the team was ready for a change, and now they have it. This season, Warrior baseball comes with a whole new coaching staff that is here to stay, all with experience at a level beyond high school, and the team is ready to show what they can do.
“I think for us, and especially for a new coaching staff, is kind of laying the foundation down, changing the culture of Warren Central baseball, the demeanor, the adversity level, getting guys to really buy into the program, [get] really focused, locked in and believe that they've got some talent. That they can play against these other schools in the conference and on the schedule,” head coach Chris Ulrey said.
The team has compiled some goals for the season and are hoping that they can go above and beyond all of them. They believe that they are taking small steps in the right decision which is what the program needs.
“As a whole team, I just want everyone to progress, really. We have our team goals, to win more than 10 games. I definitely think we can achieve that. I just definitely want to see players progress and see some real changes,” assistant coach Jeff Cardenas said.
Along with preparing players for each high school season, coaches are doing what they can to help players that have the potential to play at the next level. They know that while not many people get that opportunity, it is important to realize when you have a chance.
“We definitely have an eye for talent. We know which players can achieve that next level. So we'll definitely guide them and help them throughout that process,” Cardenas said.
The players and coaches know that while everything cannot be fixed this year, they can do everything in their power to continue improving the program and making it better for the generations to come.
“I think for us as a team, it's more building the culture, getting everyone to buy in, and trying to really build for [the] future years to come,” Ulrey said.
During the preseason, the Warriors have been practicing and lifting weights in order to get ready for the upcoming season. Coaches have been doing everything they can to let the players have a successful season.
“We've been doing weights after school and we've been doing 6:00 a.m. morning practices, two days a week. I'm a firm believer [that] if you get guys who get up early and come to practice, it shows kind of their commitment level and how much they're willing to really buy into a program if they're willing to get up extra early before school, show up and put in work,” Ulrey said.
Unlike other teams at Warren, baseball has, for the most part, avoided any problem related to COVID-19.
“We're doing everything by the book, following guidelines and protocols. When we're in our physical activity, you know, they've been able to put the mask down to be able to breathe a little bit better, but anytime we've been talking, chatting, standing around or anything to the norm, just like the kids in the school, guys have worn masks and, we haven't really been affected yet as far as guys testing positive or anything,” Ulrey said.
Overall, the team is getting very exciting to follow. Be sure to keep up with the latest news about the Warren Central baseball team, for there is greatness to come.