The last time Warren Central hoisted a baseball sectional championship trophy was in 1991. A 33-year drought is shocking compared to other sports teams’ successes at Warren, but the baseball team and coaching staff have fixated their eyes on that trophy being in their hands once again in the near future.
With a new coach and a fully active and pumped roster, the team practices day in and day out, working countless hours on and off the field to improve their skill and to advance their game.
Senior Jackson Hobbs said it is “hurtful” to know that they have not won a sectional championship in that long.
“Knowing how we have had the talent in the last couple years to really do some damage when the time comes around, and knowing about the past teams as I've been around Warren all my life, it’s kind of just insane and eye opening,” he said.
Last season the team finished 17-9 and had a conference record of 7-3 despite having one of the better teams in the state, North Central, in their conference. Warren’s current sectional includes Perry Meridian, Franklin Central, Roncali, Arsenal Technical and Southport.
After last season’s first-round 3-0 loss to Franklin Central, Warren Baseball will look to avenge themselves and contend for the sectional championship. The athletes are hoping to be headed in the right direction.
“There is a sense of revenge after the last two years,” pitcher Jacob Peace said. “[Franklin Central] has beaten us the last two years to knock us out of sectionals.”
A lot of work and preparation has to be done for the Warriors to accomplish their goals. That being said, practice on and off the field will be arguably more important than ever for these athletes.
“Of course, coaching and skill matter when it comes to being a champion,” head coach Justin Kamm said. “First things first, we need our players to expect to win and play confidently. In my experience, teams that prepare play confident. Right now, I'm focused on ensuring we are prepared and building a culture that ensures players understand what it takes to win.”
Players also agree that coaching matters when it comes to the big games.
“I think the coaching staff, with their mindsets and knowledge of the game, could keep us in competitive ball games, and especially against teams that have more star power than we do,” Hobbs said. “Coaching goes a long way. People think the coaches don't do much, but they are really the mastermind behind the team.”
While recognizing that winning a sectional championship is hard, Kamm believes that it is not out of the picture.
“
I would be doing our seniors a disservice if I didn't coach them to win right now,” Kamm said. “My goals and plans are to prepare, build confidence, develop our abilities and teach how to become a champion. Championships are always tough, but our focus on day one is doing what it takes to win.”