The varsity team is currently leading the conference as they head into the end of their season.
“I did not think we would get this far and I did not think we would start 10-0 in conference but the kids did. It doesn’t matter what I believe. They believed they are a good team and that they can compete with anyone; I’m really happy about it,” said Phil Bodine, PSHS baseball coach.
After a big loss from last year, the team has improved and made it very far into this season.
“First thing is: we didn’t want to talk about last year. Last year we had a very talented team and we were #8 in the country and #1 in the state, but we didn’t get it done. We fell short. Our team now is buying into what we are teaching. They are working hard, and their practice is probably the best I’ve seen in a long time. This team, compared to last year’s team, is focused on team work and doing a great job at it,” Bodine said.
Even with the great team they had last year, they didn’t get to regionals; but this year the team changed their f—ocus.
“We set three goals for this season: [One]: win 20 games. We are at fifteen right know with quite a few left. [Two]: compete and have a chance to be at regionals. [Three]: win conference. Those are our goals. If we continue to do what we are doing and get better with batting, I believe we can achieve those goals,” said Bodine.
Some say the team is more dedicated than last year.
“The strength of our team is that in every practice and every game we have a 100% focus from every player. We work as a team and no one player makes up the team,” said Justin McGuigan, a catcher for the team.
Last year many good players graduated leaving the team in a sour spot; yet, the team was still very hopeful and ready for a fight.
“Our team made sure that in every practice and every game we have a 100% focus from every player. We work as a team and no one player makes up the team,” McGuigan said.
As for now, the team is ready to win conference and take the championship win for themselves. It looks like the spirit and grit is there.
“Record wise our team is 15-3 and #1 in conference. We are playing really good baseball and we are getting pretty strong pitching. We have great defense and as the weather warms up we are starting to hit the ball a little bit better. Hopefully we can continue to get better and better and win our self a regional,” Bodine said.
Their last conference game will be away against Minooka on May 17 before they head to playoffs.