Drew Ness

Drew Ness, senior, has been playing baseball for as long as he can remember. Now on the varsity stage, baseball is striving to get back to the state championship they won the previous year. Ness has a variety of reasons why he has continued playing baseball, including the social aspect. 

“[I have] camaraderie with friends, my friends have been made here,” Ness said.

 A substantial influence on the team is coaching. Joe Monahan is the head coach. The coach influences the mood and the challenges and successes that a team might face when against tough competition. They also help the players, such as Ness, prepare for their own personal goals in the game, such as defense or hitting work. 

“[The] coaches style is more intense in games, more focused and less laid back,” Ness said.

Baseball won the 6A state title last season. While facing the expectations for this year can be seen as stressful, according to Ness, he’s ready for the season and to find success again, for himself and the team. 

“Some seniors left but we’ve got a couple of spots they left, we’ve got pretty good confidence this year, good talent,” Ness said. 

While Ness is feeling confident this year, he still has some goals he hopes to achieve in the following months during the season.

“Just be able to produce at the plate and contribute on defense, try to show up in big moments,” Ness said. 

Regarding hitting goals, Ness wants to accomplish a .400 batting average at the plate this season. Basically, Ness is hoping to improve his consistency at the plate. This number means that Ness wants to produce a walk or a hit four out of ten at-bats.