The pressure of being a rookie on varsity can overwhelm some people to the point that there is this immense pressure on them to succeed. However, Jakin Cozzello and Keegan Springer, both juniors at Hamilton, have pushed past this obstacle and are striving to be the best they can for the team.
Junior, Owen Brown, pitcher and shortstop, has been impressed with what Jakin has brought to the team.
“He adds a really big part to the team, filling a spot that we needed.”
Filling someone’s spot on the team can put a lot of pressure on that person, but having Jakin step up and fill it shows bravery and demonstrates leadership.
Jakin, a transfer from Jenison, noted on the vibes that the team gives off and the culture of the team,
“It’s like a brotherhood, we’re all pretty close.”
A bond like this in a sport like baseball is important for the players and the coaches. It’s what helps create a culture, and build something that can never break.
Getting an idea of how Keegan Springer has worked for his spot being on varsity, a senior, Dakota Breuker noted that,
“Just like everybody else, we show up, and get our work done, become better players.”
When you show up, you forget about whatever you’re going through in that moment. Baseball is what you’re focused on.
Putting your personal lives aside for a moment is what makes you better at the game. ‘Lock in’ is what they say.’
Keegan Springer noted this about the Hamilton Baseball culture.
“A great culture. A good group of guys and just there to play baseball.”
Caleb Oosterink, a junior in his second year of varsity baseball, said a final word on Cozzello and Springer,
“They’re always doing their job. When they’re in a situation, they give it their all.”
The culture for varsity sports differs between many high schools in the US. At Hamilton, the type of culture we have is very important for our athletics. The culture that Cozzello and Springer are experiencing is a prime example of a healthy, balanced culture.