Indians focus on building team
Catching drill– Junior outfielder Justin Hernandez concentrates on technique during practice in the big room on Feb. 5.
Long practices in extreme weather is the life of baseball players right now. Practicing in the cold one day and in the heat the next is a challenge.
“When it is cold, practice is definitely not fun,” junior catcher Abe Harder said. “Nobody wants to be there.”
The weather is not the only challenge the Indians face. The loss of a handful of graduates present a void.
“We just have to become better leaders for the underclassmen,” junior left fielder Josh Easterbrooks said. “We’ll have to deal with anybody who tries to bring the team down with negativity.”
The Indians had an overall record of 17-10-1 and a 3-7 district record last season.
The one challenge the team won’t face this year is coming in fourth and not making playoffs because unlike last year, the rules have changed.
“All of the teams in district are tough,” Coach Mike Browning said. “This year, though, we should make district because of the new four team advancement.”
AS the new Indian team finds itself, growing pains are inevitable.
“The team is dealing with it, but the seniors [last season] were good for moral support” Browning said. “They didn’t play much, but they encouraged the team.”
Going into district last season, the Indians only had three losses, but the district is a tough one.
“Cooper and Estacado are the main challenges in district,” Easterbrooks said. “Cooper had solid pitching, and Estacado is just athletic.”
The Indians will have their second scrimmage in Pecos tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.
