Rebuilding for the Championship
By Joshua Wong, Staff Writer
Coming short of a championship title last year, the 2010 Galileo varsity baseball team looks to make a run back into the championship this year. However; it is going to be a difficult season with only 7 players coming back from last year’s team; the team can not afford to waste anytime in rebuilding.
Don Papa, coach of the Galileo varsity baseball team describes this years season as challenging but with many possibilities. With 7 returning players; Dylan Nelson (starting pitcher), Dustin Andrick (starting pitcher), Quincy Nelson (center field), Garrett Kwong (right field), John Chen (2nd base), Young Ene (catcher), and Jonathan Lu ( right field), Coach Papa expects his returning starters to step up and to take the reins of the team. He wants his experienced players to give it all they got on the field and even when they are losing to not give up and finish strong. “I would like to see the players keep competing and not mess up,” he says.
With only 2 key players returning; all city player of the year Dylan Nelson and all city pitcher Dustin Andrick, look to improve their game and become even better. Taking the role of captain this season, both players will have to lead the team during practice and during games. In addition, Coach Papa has found a replacement pitcher, Garrett Kwong, to take over the loss of star pitcher Cody Klein, as the 3rd pitcher in the starting rotation. With a new starting rotation this season, all 3 players are eager to get the new season started. Dustin Andrick states, “Our team is still good, but we have to work with what we have. We have many players with potential such as Garrett Kwong. With Dylan, Garrett, and I on the mound, we’re going to be unstoppable this season. Our team still has attitude, but other teams think we’ve lost it. We are taking championships this year!”
Joining the returning players are many new players, including some from last year’s JV team as well as first time players. Coach Papa sees a lot of potential in the new players and expects them to step up and improve there game. He wants them to be consistent in there game and to be loyal to the team. With many key players gone from last year’s team, many of the new players will need to take on their roles. They will need to learn the positions as well as teamwork. “I learned that teamwork is very important if you want the team to succeed, and when you actually play the game it’s a lot harder than when you watch it on TV,” states Henry Gee 12th grader.
Coach Papa says keys for this upcoming season are teamwork and discipline. Not only do they have to practice all these things but they will also have the advantage of playing many preseason games against very tough opponents. These opponents will give the team experiences that will help them with there regular season games. “We are going to need contributions from each player and for each player to step up,” says Dylan Nelson.
Coach Papa thinks that the team will do pretty good and live up to his expectations, as he looks forward to getting back into the championship. Returning player Garrett Kwong states that “Our team will prevail if we put hard work and dedication into reaching the championship.”
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