By Finn Kennedy
Photo by Carter Ptak
After a controversial loss in the postseason, our baseball team is fired up and ready to have the best season in program history. After crushing their first two games, they are confident for their next 27.
The Lions finished 18-8 and 9th in the division last year, eventually losing to Riverdale in the playoffs. When asked about their most anticipated matchup, junior Eli Soileau again said Riverdale. “They were in our district last year and the only team we lost to in district games.”
Willow was originally crowned the winner of that game, but Riverdale’s head coach and district commissioner appealed the loss, overturning the decision on a tiebreaking technicality.
“Ultimately, they were crowned district champions, and it has fueled a fire in us ever since,” said Soileau.
The preparation for this season hasn’t been easy, though. Senior Carter Ptak cited consistency as their biggest issue. “When we were rolling, we were unstoppable, but when we started the game off flat, it was difficult to get to the level I knew we were capable of.”
Soileau and senior Jake Guichet had the same concern– injuries. “We lost senior and outfielder Sam Kobrock to injury last year. He was a big part of the team,” said Soileau.
“I sustained many injuries to my arm over my highschool career, as have a few other seniors,” said Guichet. “But our healthy team, paired with our difficult schedule, will only push us harder to do even better this season.”
In addition to injuries, trouble in communication has also been noted by Coach Goodwin.
“With communication as our foundation, we can accomplish great things and keep a focus on our controllables,” Goodwin said.
It’s not all sour, though. Coach Goodwin has helped the team maintain a steadily improving record since he stepped up to the plate. Senior Ptak credits his coaching on and off the field to his offers, while Guichet applauds the involvement with the underclassmen.
“We are pushed to be the best version of ourselves, and I feel that we are in an amazing position for this season,” said Guichet.
There is also a new culture among the team introduced by Coach Goodwin. Everyone has adopted the idea of team over individual success, holding each other accountable, and always being a model for each other. Senior Sam Kobrock said, “I think if you start to put certain games over others, you can lose track of your season. Goodwin is big on putting the team first. We definitely work a lot harder now than we used to, but it made me 100% for this season and pushed me through my injury.”
“In this program, we are more focused on the day to day of the team. If we can control our side of the game, then we will be set to compete at a higher level,” said Coach Goodwin.
The baseball team has faced struggle after struggle, year after year, but this season they are more confident than ever in their success. Injuries are low, morale is high, and the season is off to a great start for the Lions.
Junior Billy Braunig said that Coach Goodwin has inspired him to be a leader more than anything else. “Do things even when the coach isnt looking,” he said.
“I have high hopes for this season,” boasted Ptak. “We have great potential on the field, thanks to the coaching and underclassmen. We’re going to win this year.”
