Spring Sports Features

For our final regular issue of The Wooster Blade, the decision was made to feature athletes, teams and coaches from WHS spring sports. The teams and individuals featured were chosen based on, on-field success, community service and their dedication to their programs.

Lacrosse team uses service to build teamwork

JACKSON STANSIFER staff writer

This spring, the WHS boys lacrosse team looks to produce another successful season, starting it off with four wins and two losses.

The team is led on and off the field by captains Courson Kauffman (12), Landon Miller (12) and Cooper Laughlin (11), who were selected by their peers. Second-year head coach Reid Delaney explained the impact of these three on the rest of their teammates.

“We have an amazing trio of captains leading this team. These three are constantly working on ways to increase team chemistry and make sure everyone feels heard and appreciated,” Delaney said.

Cole Kuzma (10), who joined the team for the first time this season, explained this welcoming nature of his teammates as he entered a new sport.

“I started off knowing nothing, but as the season has gone on, [my teammates] have taught me almost everything I need to know and have stayed patient and encouraging throughout the whole process,” Kuzma said.

One of these teammates, and coteam captain Courson Kauffman, is going into his ninth year playing lacrosse. He described how preparation for the season, including practices in the fall, extensive time in the weight room, and other individual preparation made this year’s team special.

“I have played for a lot of different teams, but not a single one has put in as much off-season work as this team,” Kauffman said. Additionally, Kauffman stressed the importance of volunteer work among the team as a way of growing the team’s chemistry, while ultimately serving the community in a positive way.

“By doing [volunteer work], the upperclassmen are able to meet the younger guys in a less intimidating environment than the lacrosse field and we really get to know each other,” Kauffman explained.

Heading into the season, Delaney stated that he hopes to reach the ten win mark and earn home-field advantage in the postseason, while both Kauffman and Kuzma said that they hope to win the region. The boys lacrosse team will play their next home game against Avon on May 4.

Track coaches make an impact on many athletes

OLIVIA HINER co - editor in chief

In March and April of this year, both Douglas Bennett, Instrumental Music Dept. member, and Chris Mascotti, Math Dept. member, announced their plans to retire.

Despite stepping down from teaching, they have both decided to continue coaching.

Bennett serves as the boys cross country coach and distance track coach. Mascotti, nicknamed Scotti, is the girls track coach.

In looking at why they want to continue coaching, they both mentioned the pleasure of working with kids.

Bennett stated “Personally, , I’m not ready to completely disengage myself from coaching… I really enjoy working with kids.”

Scotti discussed that she decided to continue as she really enjoys it and loves the kids in the program. She said, “It is a great way to stay connected and continue making an impact on the lives of so many kids.”

Bennett and Scotti said they are unsure of how long they will continue coaching at the moment, but will do so as long as they are enjoying it.

As far as challenges go, Bennett talked about the fact that he will only continue to get older, and kids will only get younger. The past years have had an impact on their decisions to continue. Scotti said that “My past years of coaching have allowed me to connect with so many more students than just those that I have taught in the classroom. During that time I have built life-long bonds that only athletes and coaches can experience, overcoming adversity and celebrating the successes together while building memoires. I want more of those connections, experiences and memories. ‘’ Bennett similarly said that coaching has been a very rewarding experience for him, and he is hoping to continue for years to come.

Scotti wanted to mention that “It has truly been a privilege to coach and teach so many outstanding athletes. It has also been awesome to and to coach with great coaches and people.” Both coaches have made impacts on kids, and will no doubt continue to do so. They both take value in the pleasure of coaching.

WHS senior Blake Bowen has proven himself time and time again throughout his baseball career.

Bowen has committed to the University of Kentucky and notes, “It’s basically just a full time job in college. I mean it’s, it’s a lot of work but I love doing what I do.”

Bowen has always been driven in his passion as he constantly improves himself and his team.

Aiden Mackey (12) who plays baseball with Bowen, highlights Bowen’s progress. “He has come a long way as a baseball player and leader. He’s always picking up players if they are down and it shows on and off the field… He is constantly talking to his team and getting to know them. This motivates me because it shows he cares about our team and motivates me to do better.”

Mackey said he has witnessed the effects, first hand, of Bowen’s optimism and attentiveness towards baseball.

Steve Young, WHS varsity baseball coach, examines Blake’s progress throughout the years by stating: “When Blake was a freshman, he was immediately thrown into the top end of our lineup and really took to that responsibility & worked hard every single day. He was quiet and didn’t say a whole lot his first couple years, but you could tell he was observing a lot… The thing I’m most proud of Blake for is how much he’s grown into a more vocal leader and is not afraid to speak up and pick guys up when they need it. He makes everyone in our program better when he speaks up and holds teammates accountable. Blake has helped establish the standard for the rest of the guys to live up to.” Young praises Bowen as an athlete and notes that he upholds the team to their full potential due to his connection with his teammates.

Bowen’s commitment to his sport and team is undoubtedly strong, but how has he reflected on his own career? After asking what his biggest baseball related achievement was, Bowen replied humbly, “Getting my first offer from Kent State was an insane moment for me, just so surreal and it was just so exciting for me.

Last year, I got player of the year in Ohio, so that’s also a very big achievement in my eyes and very proud to be honored, to be called that.”

In order to become a successful athlete, people must find motivation to do so. Bowen highlights his dad’s role in making him so driven by saying, “...my dad has always been around for me and always has heped me throughout my whole baseball career. He’s always there if I need throwing to or ground ball practice, anything that I need.” His father, Jeff Bowen, played Division II baseball at Cedarville University. Bowen will be showcasing his skills next on the baseball field on April 29 at 1 p.m., against Buckeye.