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The U18 South Central Cubs have been on quite the run throughout the season, and coach Paul Schaak believes the team can keep it going, achieving their goal of provincial success this weekend.
"We have a lot of talent on our team," Schaak says with a grin. "I would say that this is maybe the strongest we've been in the three years I've coached the team. It's funny, I was telling the other coaches, this is the first provincial weekend where we actually have our full roster, and even then, we have one of our key players out with injury. For a 24-3 in record, I'd say were in a good position. For our team, the best part is our camaraderie, and the way we gel. We have a lot of fun when we're on the field."
As far as on the diamond, Schaak believes there is a specific area where his club separates from the others. "In year's past, it's been our pitching, but this year, I'd say it's our hitting. We're a lot deeper, I think our grade 12 group is really strong, and on a bigger field, I think it's important. A lot of our guys have trained through the fall and into the winter, and I think that has really helped with our summer development, as well."
Having spent the last few years around the team, Schaak says the biggest takeaway is how close the group is, and how young players are now the leaders. "A lot of these guys have played together for most of their lives, through AAA or their local club team, and I think as you age up in baseball, you start to play a specific position, and can master it, instead of being a general position player. I think that has really helped guys feel comfortable, and get into their own, allowing their personalities to shine. We don't have captains, per se, our grade 12 group does a pretty good job with how they respond and always fill in where we need to. It's a really good balance."
Going into this weekend, Schaak isn't afraid to be bold when it comes to the expectations the team has for itself. "We absolutely want to go in and make some noise," he says confidently. "We talked with the team this week, and we understand the expectations are going to be high because of our record, there's a lot of pressure, but I'm hoping we can stay relaxed. We have such a talented group, and we just need to play the game the right way. Be honest, be good teammates, play the game well, pick each other up, and the results will follow."
Coaching this group of players has been special, and Schaak says the mentality of being great for the person next to you, is inspiring. "It's great to see. Baseball is a hard sport. I think a lot of lessons through the game are applicable to life, and that's part of why I love baseball so much. There's an individual skillset within the confines of a team sport. I think there are lessons to learn for our team specifically. We've had ups and downs, but the guys have had fun through it all. They have each others backs, and that's great to see."
Provincials are a lot different than the regular season, but Schaak says the coaches don't plan on overthinking things. "The pitching side of things is probably the most difficult, because you have to manage your pitching very specifically. You have more sensitive skill there, so we'll look to protect our skill on the mound. As far as lineup creation, like I said earlier, we haven't had our full team together yet, this will be our first attempt, so we'll see how the pieces fit in. But, we have a deep lineup of twelve or thirteen hitters that we trust. It'll be fun matchups all weekend."
At the core of the U18 South Central Cubs, it's about pride, pride in the way the team plays, carries themselves away from the diamond, and perhaps most of all according to Schaak, pride in representing the community. "To be honest, it's probably the biggest motivator for me personally, and our guys as well. Being a rural team, and historically kind of seeing how different things unfold, we often don't get the respect that we deserve, whether it's for Manitoba teams or other events. I think that leaves a chip on our shoulder. So, being a rural team, we want to represent our area well. I think all of our communities, there are so many dads that help out at the fields, they've poured so much into these kids, and for this specific group of grade 12's, they haven't won a provincials yet, so they're quite motivated. It's so cool to see the support from community members, it really means the world."
The Cubs are set to invade Winnipeg for provincials this weekend.