For many students, stepping onto the baseball field after school isn’t just about playing a sport. It’s about being part of something bigger than themselves. Here at EPG, we have a great baseball program run by the two coaches, Stephen Krominga, the varsity coach, and Brian Sepich, the junior varsity coach. Baseball plays an important role in shaping students both athletically and personally.
Coach K explained that his main focus this season is “To improve every day and play meaningful ball,” in hopes of reaching a conference title and winning a regional. His way of helping his players improve is to focus on consistent reps, situational awareness, and close attention to detail. A difficulty he finds while coaching is “balancing development for every player while still competing to win games.” He expects his players to be coachable and prepared, yet supportive of the team, because that’s what brings the most success out of the team. Coach K explained that behind everything else, he wants his players to enjoy the game because baseball doesn’t last forever. He doesn’t want the team to lose sight of things like effort, attitude, and preparation during the season. “If we stay disciplined and play the game the right way, the results will take care of themselves.”
Coach Sepich’s main goal for the season is for the players to improve from the beginning of the season. He explained, “We have a lot of freshmen on this team, and the changes from middle school can be drastic. The pitcher’s mound is further away and taller, the bases are further away, the infield is larger, and the fences are longer.” Coach Sepich’s technique of helping his players is focused on adjusting and doing his best to answer any questions he may get. A difficulty he finds when coaching is early practices. Getting up at 6 AM and expecting the players to be at their best when they also got up at that time can be challenging. He wants his players to stay in love with the game. He believes that baseball is the hardest sport, and even being able to hit half of the balls pitched is good enough.
Some of the players’ goals for this season are to improve not only individually but also as a team. JV player Krue Wilkey said one thing that has helped him to improve this season is, “Just staying relaxed all the time helps out in every aspect of the game.” Varsity player Ben Buis explained that he improves most from tips from the coaches. A great difficulty the players have faced this season is having games canceled due to the weather. When asked what helps the players get prepared for a game, the majority of them said listening to music. Their bond with each other isn’t just a team, it’s a family. Baseball is more than just a game; it’s a place where students learn teamwork, dedication, and discipline both on and off the field.
