by Maleny Mireles
New Prairie High School baseball coach, Mark Schellinger, reached his 100th career win in the game against Washington Township.
After previously coaching at Merrillville High School for 6 years, Coach Schellinger began his fourth year coaching at New Prairie.
“Our senior class shares a special bond with Coach Schellinger because he’s been with us since our freshman year,” said Jarrod Michael, the Cougar’s shortstop and pitcher.
Assistant coaches Dave Ryans and Neil Hackett coach alongside Coach Schellinger. Ryans assists the infielders and Hackett assists the outfielders and pitchers at practices.
The Cougars got their 11th win at their home game against Marian High School, earning them a season record of 11-2. Senior pitcher Hunter Robinson pitched 16 strikeouts out of 24 batters against the Knights.
The team had a good start to this season, beating teams such as LaPorte and Saint Joseph South Bend, being the first time beating them in the last four years.
“We get better every year and we continue to get better on a daily and yearly basis,” said Coach Schellinger. “We can compete with anyone as long as we worry about what we can control and playing our best no matter who we play because it’s all in our execution.”
The team prepares for the season early, beginning in the weight rooms.
“This year’s team is strong because they hit the weight room early. The boys have to prepare physically and mentally for the varsity level and it all starts in the weight room,” said Coach Schellinger.
The team’s practices consist of competitions made in game like situations to teach the boys to perform under pressure.
“We split up in four groups and we create game like competition to prepare for big moments,” said Ethan Nielson, the Cougar’s senior catcher.
The boys’ season is off to a good start.
“I expect nothing less than a sectional championship,” said senior Roman Kuntz.
If the Cougars win semi-state, it’ll be the second time in New Prairie baseball history.