Senior Cooper Keeney focuses on his offensive ability during his final season as a Bronco baseball player. With this being his senior year, Keeney has one goal in mind to end his career on a high note, State. Throughout off season, Keeney participated in multiple drills that helped improve his offensive and defensive abilities for the district play.
“I didn’t have to try out because I’m a senior,” Keeney said, “but I did a lot of drills and lifting.”
The varsity team welcomes a new head coach this season, Chris McMullen. Coach McMullen introduces his new coaching standards on the team, and they have adjusted to the new atmosphere. Although the coach is new, the players still have the same mindset going into the season.
“The varsity is hungry to build on last season and we believe we have the potential to have a great year,” coach McMullen said. “The boys have been working very hard and have a desire to win.”
Coach McMullen looks forward to continuing to work at high levels with the team. He says practices will be very competitive, which should make the season fun. His expectations are simple, come to the field ready to work. If they do that, they will be successful throughout the season.
“Coach Walden did a great job building the Legacy Baseball program and developing a culture that is about winning,” coach McMullen said. “I look to try and continue what Coach Walden started.”
Along with Keeney, senior Colton Vela prepares for his farewell season as a Bronco. When athletes put on their jersey, they not only represent themselves, but the school and the program as a whole. Vela knows what the Legacy name stands for, and plays with pride.
“It means everything to me,” Vela said. “It helps my leadership skills for the future.”
The Bronco baseball program is held to high standards, because of the fact they hold the district title for the past three years. Keeney supports the program, and everything it stands for and he understands what he represents as an athlete. His favorite thing about the sport is the intensity it brings during clutch moments in the game.
“It means a lot,” Keeney said. “There’s a lot of tradition and history, and a lot of hard work went into this [program].”
Varsity baseball faced Aledo for their first scrimmage of the season, winning 10-7 in a four hour game lasting 12 innings. The game was intended to get the players prepared for season, and allow the coaches to see how they play in real game situations.
