BB: OAC: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Dr. Acula]

Based on the resume that seems like a quality hire.  Young guy should bring some good energy and fresh ideas to the program too.  I assumed it would be an alum, but honestly I like the thinking here.  They had a veteran old school HC who played there.  The last few years have mostly not been up to their standards.  So put a spark in there by hiring a young guy from a completely different tree.

[mc1983]

Based on the resume that seems like a quality hire.  Young guy should bring some good energy and fresh ideas to the program too.  I assumed it would be an alum, but honestly I like the thinking here.  They had a veteran old school HC who played there.  The last few years have mostly not been up to their standards.  So put a spark in there by hiring a young guy from a completely different tree.

Mostly my thoughts. I know that there will be some alumni upset that it isn't a member of the baseball fraternity. However, at this point, I do think bringing in someone with a fresh perspective is a positive.

There was a lot of turmoil this season with the Brewer situation. However, would the team have been that much better with him as head coach? It was evident coming into the season that there were serious pitching issues after Ziance.

The team was very young. If most guys stick around and don't hit the portal, there is some talent there to work with.

[BobcatQB]

Based on the resume that seems like a quality hire.  Young guy should bring some good energy and fresh ideas to the program too.  I assumed it would be an alum, but honestly I like the thinking here.  They had a veteran old school HC who played there.  The last few years have mostly not been up to their standards.  So put a spark in there by hiring a young guy from a completely different tree.

Mostly my thoughts. I know that there will be some alumni upset that it isn't a member of the baseball fraternity. However, at this point, I do think bringing in someone with a fresh perspective is a positive.

There was a lot of turmoil this season with the Brewer situation. However, would the team have been that much better with him as head coach? It was evident coming into the season that there were serious pitching issues after Ziance.

The team was very young. If most guys stick around and don't hit the portal, there is some talent there to work with.

Every program has traditions and history but I've never been a person that believes in hiring someone because he is a "Marietta guy".  Hire the right person and if there is history, even better..but don't compromise just because. Honor the past, build for the future, live in the moment.

No, that team was going to struggle with whoever the coach was this year.  That being said, they actually made some  progress this year with a younger team.  Honestly, the previous year's team was the bigger disappointment.  They had a decent Senior class with pitchers who had played in big spots in previous years.

I have no doubt that they will get back to their winning ways.  They already have such a huge recruiting advantage with that stadium and the history.  Those factors are worth a few good players each year on their own.  But, when all is said and done, winning cures all.  Start winning again and those facilities and history start to separate you from the rest real quick.

[Dr. Acula]

The stadium and the tradition are elite.  The other thing that Etta has is fantastic community support.  Or at least they used to.  I haven't been to a game there in a few years so I can't say for sure recently.  When Vanderwal had hoops humming the BanJo would be packed every OAC game.  If Etta baseball has a resurgence that town will be out in force at Pioneer Park.  Having some recruits visit for a night game with a big crowd at that stadium?  That sells itself.

Etta and Ott were both young last year and both improved as the season went on.  If those two start ascending again the OAC schedule is going to be a heavyweight fight basically every weekend.