By Stella Chapa

For new high school students, it’s common to have many questions regarding everything they are getting themselves into at the beginning of the school year. Sports and academics are difficult to manage, but doable! Luckily, over time, the freshman Guyer baseball program has learned how to be in the onerous position of a well harmonized team. With the school year coming to an end, impactful lessons have been learned by the current freshman students while advice is ready to be given to the incoming players. 

 It can be tiring and stressful to walk right into freshman life, with the intense pressure of grades, relationships, friendships, sports, and all the other challenges of high school. Blindsighted about baseball life, the players on the freshmen team were worried at the beginning of the year. But soon after, they realized it wasn’t bad at all; not with their new Guyer-baseball family by their side. Every athlete on the team has stood by each other through thick and thin, cheering and correcting one another at every possible moment. They have become a tribe.   

Mike Weatherford, Head Freshman Baseball Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach, a hardworking and dedicated instructor states that “Every year incoming players come in for a new start.” He added, “Once students step on that field, they are a part of a team and family. I will be blunt with them and hold them accountable, but I try to remind them everyday I love them.”

Most new players come into high school baseball thinking the key to success is winning. At Guyer, winning is not the main objective. Their philosophy is that losing teaches just as many lessons and is important for team bonding and encouragement opportunities. Braeden Waggoner, member of the Freshman Black baseball team, says, “Baseball is a game of challenges, when you make mistakes, you have to get over it and move on. It teaches you how to deal with pressure and work as a team.” 

After a season of teamwork and dedication, the team as a whole has grown in knowledge and expertise. Before the preseason even finished, every individual player was able to see new skills and techniques introduced into their playing style. Teachers, coaches, and parents were honored to support the freshman team. The Guyer baseball athletes are proud to represent their school and excited to welcome incoming freshmen and support them with whatever challenges they may face.