Marysville’s Tristan Burns slides into second base during a 2021 game. The Monarchs will resume full team activities in September. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
Many high school athletic programs are taking advantage of the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s unlimited workout regulation.
The rule was implemented a year ago due to the coronavirus pandemic and continues at the present time.
One organization, however, that really hasn’t done that is the Marysville High School baseball program.
“We’re not doing anything structured this summer,” said Monarch head coach Nick Blake.
The reason for that?
“We’ve got so many of our guys playing travel ball during the summer,” he said. “I’d say 98% of our guys who will return for the 2022 spring season are playing travel baseball.”
The summer season will wind down by the end of the month.
Blake then wants to give his players who aren’t involved in a fall high school sport time off during the month of August.
“That way, they will be fresh when we start back up with fall drills in September,” he said.
Summer baseball can entail 50 or so games, which still gives Monarch athletes plenty exposure and added experience in the sport.
Blake said the summer is also a good time for MHS athletes to get away from the structure of Monarch baseball.
“I think this gives the guys a break from our coaching staff,” he said. “I imagine by the end of the spring season, they’re tired of hearing my voice.
“They also get tired of seeing everyone else’s face,” the coach laughed. “They’re still playing baseball on various teams, but we’re not overloading them with anything structured on our part.”
Despite the fact Monarch baseball workouts have ceased for the summer, the coaching staff still has weekly contact with its players.
“Although we don’t have any practices, we’re still in the weight room four days a week,” said Blake. “We just want to keep getting bigger and stronger.”
Marysville’s coaches are also available to help their athletes with different facets of the game.
“If any of our guys want some one-on-one instruction, we’re available for that during the days we’re here at the school,” said Blake.
The Monarchs will begin fall workouts in a couple of months in order to try and improve upon their 2021 finish.
The team posted a 13-15 overall record and finished fifth in the Ohio Capital Conference Cardinal Division.
Key players returning next spring for their senior seasons include catcher Tristan Burns and infielders R.J. Thornton and Chase Storr.
“Those guys are going to be our leaders in 2022,” said Blake. “We’re already excited for next season to begin.”