Batting up a hot start for this year’s baseball season, the varsity baseball team at CHS swept a double-header in Norfolk on St. Patrick’s Day by a collective score of 34-16. The luck of the Irish carried through the following day when CHS teed up on Seward to the tune of 11-2.

Unfortunately, the Discoverer winning streak was lost when they played Burke and ended the game with a score of 12-9. The hopes of CHS were high after closing a five-run deficit in the bottom of the 4th, but those hopes were dashed in the next frame when Burke re-established its five-run advantage.  Although they lost a game, they kept their chins up and their spirits alive. As coach James Johnson says, “The best part is not just the fun of the game; it’s the relationships and memories made.”

Furthermore, for those baseball enthusiasts scouring the earth for some good baseball players, the CHS Varsity baseball team has plenty. One player to watch is Tadan Bell, an All-State pitcher and Division I recruit. Ryan Eickhoff adds a second ace to the Columbus pitching staff after boasting the team’s lowest ERA last season. Columbus will also be returning last year’s starting shortstop and NCAA Division II recruit Cody Zrust. Zrust promises to be a stone wall on the left side of the infield and an active bat in the CHS lineup. The outfield and first base will be patrolled by fellow returning senior Sam Kwapnioski. While this squad has considerable experience and amazing players in its senior class, a combined 11 sophomores and juniors see some playing time throughout the season.

As they should be, the team is excited about the season. According to Johnson, “The players are hungry and are practicing like they have something to prove.” Last season was the first time they made it to state in over half a century. In spite of their outstanding wrap-up to the season last year, they know that it doesn’t guarantee anything for them this year. The team is just swinging it by day and playing to the best of their ability, no matter if they win or lose. While they are hoping to return to state this year, they know they must work together and focus on improving a little bit each day. 

Despite a shorter season compared to other sports, baseball is still a challenge and can go by very quickly. The coaches try their hardest to help keep the players fresh, excited, and ready so that they can have positive energy throughout the season. 

All in all, while the team is on a bit of a skid, today’s contest against 7-1 Norris will be a good opportunity to get back on track. An upset at Norris would be a fitting lead-in to Saturday morning’s home contest against Blair.  

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