Transcript Slide 1

Round Rock
Baseball
2014-15
TOGETHER WE WILL RISE
Head Coach: John Carter
Varsity Assistant/Pitching Coach: Luis Venitucci
JV Maroon Coach: Jeff Kocurek
JV White Coach: Colby Elizondo
Volunteer Assistant: Tyler Hobbs
Head Athletic Trainer: Nikki Vincent
Athletic Coordinator: Jeff Cheatham
Please Sign Handbook Sheets…
Baseball Mission
The Round Rock High School Baseball Program will be
recognized as a TEAM that portrays character, class,
sportsmanship, and a competitive spirit while
encompassing an attitude and work ethic to enable
us to achieve our goals. We realize that by doing the
things necessary to become a champion on the field,
we reinforce the qualities that are required to be a
champions in our lives beyond the game. We expect
that the values and skills learned and developed at
our practices and games, on our diamond and
others, to be put to use for the rest of our
participants’ lives.
Baseball Philosophy
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We have two basic rules that our coaches try
to follow and we expect our players to try to
follow at all times.
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ALWAYS GIVE YOUR BEST EFFORT
ALWAYS TRY TO DO THE RIGHT THING
Core Covenants of Dragon Baseball
 Trust
 Excellence
 Attitude
 Commitment
 Toughness
TRUST
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Trust is the foundation of all relationships active within the
RRHS Baseball Program. Open and honest communication
is vital for our success. Over the years, our responses to a
wide variety of situations should demonstrate how much we
care for our program’s participants. You must be honest.
Please do not communicate with an intention to mislead.
Fair and honest decisions will be made regarding even the
toughest of situations. Stealing from teammates will be an
automatic removal from the program. Lying to any RRHS
staff is a MAJOR problem. Multiple issues in this area will
most certainly result in removal from the program.
Developing routines help all participants to feel comfortable
and thus allows success to happen.
EXCELLENCE
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It is impossible to be a championship team unless
we do things that championship teams do. We want
to be the model for others in terms of respect,
discipline, integrity, and character. We will behave in
a manner that represents what our school and
community are about. This included using good
manners, good eye contact, being humble in victory
and gracious in defeat, and placing the team first.
Take pride in how your individual contributions can
make us better as a team. Being a quality
student/athlete is not easy… but that’s what make
doing it worth the work.
ATTITUDE –
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A positive attitude is BIG TIME important for us. Some
players will light up the room when they come in the door
and some light it up when they leave. Some players are a
fountain, and some are a drains. Regardless of level of
talent or team status, attitude is a choice and those who
choose a positive attitude every day are incredibly valuable
for our program. Bringing a positive attitude is not
something we just HOPE to be able to do, it is something
we EXPECT from all those involved in our program every
day. Parents, be careful sharing negative viewpoints with
your sons at the dinner table, as it only makes it more
difficult for your son to bring a positive attitude to the
ballpark. We take pride in maintaining a “drama free”
environment. “Drama” results from poor attitudes.
COMMITMENT
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We must have our participants commitment. We
believe that the committed experience of journeying
through high school baseball season with teammates
and coaches who are also committed is both
incredible and invaluable. We believe the Disease of
Me = the Defeat of Us. We feel that it is vital for our
players to understand that they are a part of
something much bigger than themselves. This
requires a sense of selflessness. We provide
opportunities for our players to volunteer. We promote
sacrifice for the team. We believe in community and
will serve our RR community. We is the key. Together
Everyone Achieves More when we get Total Effort
from ALL Members.
TOUGHNESS 
Players must be strong enough to play the game the
right way and be mentally able to handle the ups &
downs that are a part of the game. We will work hard
to teach our players how to be mentally tough and we
will share examples of what we expect our players to
do to represent physical toughness. Parents, please
feel confident that your son’s safety is our number one
concern. While a single tough player can make a
powerful impact on any team, the strength of all
players being mentally and physically tough is
unbelievable. Again, this is not something we hope to
accomplish, this is what is expected from all
participants within our program. We will be relentless!
We BELIEVE in the power of TEAM!
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The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
John Wooden
A team will always appreciate a great individual if he's willing to sacrifice for
the group.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
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Finding good players is easy. Getting them to play as a team is another
story.
Casey Stengel
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Coming together is a beginning.
Keeping together is progress.
Working together is success.
- Henry Ford
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***- Baseball is a TEAM SPORT. No I in
team. No guaranteed playing time.
Prepare like a starter every day! Players
who prepare like a part-time player likely
will be a part-time player.
“There may be people that have more
talent than you, but there’s no excuse for
anyone to work harder than you do.”–
Derek Jeter
T – Together
T-Total
E – Everyone ONLY E - Effort
A – Achieves
IF
A - All
M – More
M - Members
T – Think It!
B- Believe it!
A – Achieve it!
Disease Of ME = Defeat Of US
Time commitment
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The Dragon Baseball Program is a highly
competitive interscholastic athletic program.
Our rules regulations are governed by the
University Interscholastic League. We
compete in district 13 - 6A. Participation in
our program is a huge commitment of time
and effort. Participation is NOT for the
average RECREATIONAL player.
Playing Time
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Playing time is not guaranteed for any Dragon baseball player,
regardless of team or grade level. All players will have the
opportunity to earn a spot in the everyday lineup, the pitching
rotation, or to serve the team in some other role that our staff feels
best benefits the TEAM. Current and recent performance at
practices and games, potential, attitude, and competitive spirit are
all vital to our coaches making decisions about the lineup.
Classification, equal opportunity, summer success, and
parental involvement are some things that are NOT considered
when making the lineup. Initial discussions about playing time will
be limited to coaches and players. If a player is disgruntled with his
playing time or role on the team, he should make a point to discuss
the situation with his coach (Varsity Lineup – Carter & Venitucci, JV
Maroon – Kocurek, JV White – Elizondo). If your son still appears
confused after meeting with his coach, feel free to contact the
coach for clarification. Players other than your son will not be
discussed with parents under any circumstances in a negative way.
Effort, Attitude, Participation
Our coaching staff will continue to implement the “3 Strike” rule for the coming season to
ensure that our players to participate with the intensity expected at games and practices. The
“3 Strike” Rule will be applied as follows:
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Strike One: Player not giving effort, attitude, or participating as expected by coach. Coach
advises player to intensify, change, or correct his effort, attitude, or behavior. Player
requires additional motivation. Strike one. Player will be removed from the practice activity
or game and sent to the bench for the remainder of the practice or game. This will be
treated like an unexcused absence. Tomorrow is a new day, no further consequences
besides the normal unexcused absence result for this offense.
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Strike Two: Player not giving effort, attitude, or participating as expected by coach. Coach
advises player to intensify, change, or correct his effort, attitude, or behavior. Player
requires additional motivation. Strike two. Player will be removed from the practice activity
or game and sent to the bench for the remainder of the practice or game. There will be a
mandatory player/parent/coach meeting prior to the player being allowed to participate
normally in workouts or games.
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Strike Three: Player not giving effort, attitude, or participating as expected by coach.
Coach advises player to intensify, change, or correct his effort, attitude, or behavior. Player
requires additional motivation. Strike Three. Player will be removed from the practice
activity or game and sent to the bench for the remainder of the practice or game. Player is
removed from the RRHS baseball program for the remainder of the current season and
expected to turn in all gear that has been checked out to him in a timely manner or they will
be placed on the obligation list.
THE DISEASE OF ME
THE DISEASE OF ME = THE DEFEAT OF US
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SIX DANGER SIGNALS OF THE DISEASE OF ME:
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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CHRONIC FEELINGS OF UNDER APPRECIATION – FOCUS ON ONESELF.
PARANOIA OVER BEING CHEATED OUT OF ONE’S RIGHTFUL SHARE.
LEADERSHIP VACUUM RESULTING FROM FORMATION OF CLIQUES AND RIVALRIES.
FEELINGS OF FRUSTRATION EVEN WHEN THE TEAM PERFORMS SUCCESSFULLY.
PERSONAL EFFORT MUSTERED SOLELY TO OUTSHINE ONE’S TEAMMATE.
RESENTMENT OF THE COMPETENCE OF ANOTHER – REFUSE TO ADMIT HIS CONTRIBUTION.
"The most Difficult thing for individuals to do when they become part
of a team is to sacrifice, it is much easier to be selfish."

Coach Pat Riley
HANDBOOK
PURPOSE: To provide a high standard of accountability for our
baseball players that meets the expectations of Round Rock High
School and Round Rock ISD
This Handbook will:
1. Fit hand in hand with all RRISD and RRHS policies and
procedures
2. Provide discipline procedures for athletes
3. Encourage your son to make good decisions
Major Points of Emphasis
Round Rock ISD
Extra Curricular Code of Conduct – Online
• ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT CONCERNING
• USE OF ILLEGAL OR CONTROLLED
SUBSTANCES
Extracurricular Code of Conduct
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Extracurricular Code of Conduct will be enforced with all
students grades 7th -12th participating in extracurricular
activities:
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• regardless of whether school is in session;
• regardless of whether the student is directly involved with the
extracurricular activity at the time the prohibited conduct occurs;
• regardless of whether the extracurricular activity is in-season;
• regardless of where or when the conduct occurs.
Suspension from Participation in Athletics
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Participants who receive off-campus suspension for disciplinary reasons will not
be allowed to participate or practice during the length of the suspension. Participants
will be eligible on the next day following the suspension.
Ejection from a contest by an official, coach, or athletic director for unsportsmanlike
or other inappropriate behavior.
Actions punishable by the school administration which occurs outside the normal
school day but while the student-athlete is involved in his/her sports season.
Participants who are assigned to the RROC campus are not allowed to participate in
UIL.
Violation of the RRISD Athletic Code of Conduct which includes alcohol, illegal drugs,
and conduct in the community.
Dismissal from Athletics
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Violations for RRISD District and or RRHS team drug
and alcohol policy where indicated.
Evidence of theft from teammates.
Refusal to comply after several chances on expected
behavior infractions. (see 1st,2nd 3rd strike policy)
UIL No Pass – No Play policy – Students not passing
two six weeks cycles ARE subject to dismissal.
Circumstances with discipline and participation will
ALSO be considered.
Anything the coach determined as having become
detrimental to the program.
Games and Practices
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Profanity, vulgarity, or any other disrespectful behaviors are not
acceptable toward opponents, umpires, fans, or anyone else.
Behavior that draws attention to oneself rather than the team will not
be tolerated. The players should not visit with opponents or anyone
else outside of our dugout during the contest. Players are not
allowed to leave the dugout to participate in any type of fight or
fracas. There will be no bench-clearing brawls! Players who start or
participate in a fight will be ejected, disciplined and/or suspended.
(Parent / Fan Expectations comment)
 Round Rock parents / fans expected to set example for how
interscholastic fans should behave.
 Respect inside the fence rule.
 Be good fans.
Hazing / Cyber bullying
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These practices will NOT be tolerated within our program. At the very least, reaction
to our players involvement in these practices would be those outlined by our district
and administrative staff. Further penalty, including the possibility of removal from the
team, will be explored by our coaching staff, depending upon the situation. Per the
RRISD secondary handbook,
“Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off
campus directed against a student, by one person alone or acting with others,
that endangers the mental or physical health or the safety of a student for the
purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or
maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include
other students.
Hazing will not be tolerated by the district. If an incident of hazing occurs,
disciplinary consequences will be handled in accordance with the Student
Code of Conduct. It is a criminal offense if a person engages in hazing; solicits,
encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in hazing; or has firsthand
knowledge of an incident of hazing being planned or having occurred and fails
to report this to the principal or superintendent.”
SOCIAL MEDIA
Because players and teams are associated
with RRISD - inappropriate use of social
media can be subject to discipline at school.
Student Athlete’s are to refrain from using social
media (ie) Facebook, Twitter, etc… in a way
that is negative to a specific person or team. If
a player is proven to have breached team rules
in this manner can be subject to the discipline
model at the athletic program.
Discipline Model Protocol “Strike Policy”
First Offense
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Meeting to include the head coach, and the student athlete and an assistant coach.
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Parents notified of meeting and outcome identified.
Second Offense:
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Meeting to include the head coach, and the student athlete and a designated
administrator and student-athletes parent/guardian.
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Student-athlete placed on behavior plan/contract pre–approved by Campus Athletic
Director.
Third Offense:
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After consultation with the Campus Athletic Director and the Principal, students who
continue to find difficulty in following the extracurricular Code of Conduct may be subject
of suspension or dismissal from extracurricular activity
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Practice/Spring Break
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Players must be “dressed” for practice. Practice dress will include
gray practice pants, one of the accepted Round Rock Baseball Tshirts , a Maroon or Grey long sleeve undershirt or sleeve to cover
throwing elbow, blue socks, and a Round Rock baseball hat.
Players are responsible for having the appropriate footwear for any
possibility - spikes for field workouts, flats for gym workouts, and an
appropriate running shoe for running / weight lifting.
Baseball is a big commitment of time. Late Fridays and long
Saturdays are likely. Again, all players are expected to be at all
practices, and should call prior to missing any workout. Coach
Carter 512-428-7920, Coach Venitucci 512-428-7921, Coach
Kocurek & Coach Elizondo 512-428-7922.
Absences
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Players are expected to be at all practices and games unless ill
or excused by the coach. If a player has an unexcused absence,
he will not play in the following game. If he has an excused
absence prior to a contest, he will not start in that game, but may
play. For an absence to be excused, the player must call his
coach prior to the workout or game. Illness or family emergency
would be examples of excused absences. Family vacation or a
date would be examples of unexcused absences. If a player is
injured, he should still be in attendance at the practice or doing
whatever the trainer deems necessary for rehabilitation as
agreed upon by the trainer and his coach. Players who make the
team who become ineligible are expected to be at all practices,
as UIL rules allow and can be subject to removal from the team
at the coaches discretion.
OFI
Opportunities for Improvement
OFI’s
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Late w/out communication
•
Absence w/out communication
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Behavior unbecoming of a
“DRAGON” – deemed inappropriate
by staff and team
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Classroom issues – reference from
teacher
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Multiple infractions – ie.- tardy /
absences / discipline.
•
Absence with communication –
are considered as a make up
*Subject to conditioning based on
coaches approval.
OFI’s – Action Plan *can be adjusted
according to issue dependant on
coaches discretion.
Plated Squat Jumps / backward laps/
Gassers / Laps / “W”/ Knuckle
drags/Tire flips/Burpees.
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Late - (no excuse)
Absence withOUT communication
Unbecoming
Classroom
Multiples - Added / Above standard
Pattern of OFI’s:
•
Conference with Coach Carter and
involve parents / possible contract /
Dismissal
OFI’s are not limited to the items listed above. They can also be at the
coaches discretion.
Communication
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Discussion Needed
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Texting Policy - E-mails – Trust….prospects
Postponement decisions are normally made by 3:00 PM.
All Players emails and cell numbers are registered for the
coaches use. We will use these to get information to players.
Parents- Please register on the website as a friend of Dragon
Baseball to be added to our text and email lists. We will use this
for communication purposes. Please sign up
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Most postponements are made up the next available
date.
Parent/Coach Meetings
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Any parent who wishes to meet with a Round Rock baseball
coach to discuss a player-coach playing time meeting or any
other sensitive (and potentially emotional) issue will need to
make an appointment to do so – there will be NO
UNSCHEDULED parent/coach meetings after games or
practices. All of our coaches will respond to voice mail or e-mail
at our earliest opportunity. Communication during any such
meeting will remain civil or the meeting will be terminated
immediately. Any issues that the parent feels cannot be resolved
in a meeting with our staff can be brought to the attention of our
athletic coordinator, Jeff Cheatham. Coach Cheatham’s phone
number is 464-6121. Please contact one of our coaches at any
time if you feel that contact is necessary to benefit your son.
Playing time discussions are normally unproductive if not
counterproductive, but there are many other obstacles that come
to the forefront with today’s youth where our involvement would
be beneficial.
Trainer
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We are fortunate to have Trainer Nikki Vincent and Trainer Robert
Cardenas (Trainer C) as our athletic trainers. If you have an injury, you
should see one of our trainers. Tell one of the coaches, if they are not
already aware, about your injury or discomfort prior to your training room
visit, if possible. If a physician is needed, our trainers will advise you in that
direction. Any player who sees a physician for any reason must have a
doctor’s release prior to returning to normal activity. Treatment for any
injury will be offered to baseball players just as it is any other athlete at
Round Rock. You are responsible for getting into the training room at the
appropriate times for treatment. The training room hours are from 7:30 am
until 8:45 am and after school until 6:00 PM Monday through Friday. Class
time and lunches are available only with prior approval by the trainers and
treatments are not an excuse to leave class early. If you fail to get into the
training room for scheduled treatment, the baseball coaching staff will
assume that you lack the desire to get back on the field. You can reach our
trainers at 512-464-6127 or 512-464-6122 when needed.
Travel
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All players are expected to travel to and from the
game with the team. In the rare occasion there is a
need to deviate from this process, arrangements
should be made prior to the time of travel. A Round
Rock ISD form is available for this instance and
must be completed and turned in to the sponsoring
coach at least one day prior to the out of town trip.
No player will be allowed to leave the team unless
his parents are seen taking him with them.
Our bus will remain clean and orderly and all those
who travel with us will represent our school with
exemplary behavior.
Equipment
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We will provide baseballs, helmets, catcher’s gear, a minimum number of
bats, and practice and game uniforms. We are all responsible for the care
and maintenance of our equipment. Some items will be individually
checked out. You will be held responsible for anything checked out to
you. It will be expected to be turned back in at the completion of the
season. The condition of this equipment should only show normal wear
and tear, or you will be expected to pay for the damaged item. Each
player will be expected to purchase his own glove, spikes, and hat. You
are encouraged to label your own equipment, but remember not to draw
individual attention. (Names on hats should be UNDER the bill!)
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Any aluminum or composite non-BBCOR bat found in our dugout or
around our field will be captured by our coaching staff and not returned. If
you want to keep them, keep them away from here.
Jewelry – WILL be pressed by the umpires.
Laundry:
Players will be responsible for their own laundry. Uniforms
(both practice and game) should be kept clean! Please do not bleach nonwhites and do not use hot washer and dryer settings for game uniforms.
****Care Instructions can be obtained from Coach Carter if necessary.
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Recommendations for Hydration
HYDRATION TIPS AND FLUID GUIDELINES
* Drink according to a schedule based on individual fluid needs.
* Drink before, during and after practices and games.
* Drink 17-20 ounces of water or sports drinks with six to eight percent CHO,
two to three hours before exercise.
* Drink another 7-10 ounces of water or sport drink 10 to 20 minutes before
exercise.
* Drink early - By the time you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated.
* In general, every 10-20 minutes drink at least 7-10 ounces of water or
sports drink to maintain hydration, and remember to drink beyond your
thirst.
* Drink fluids based on the amount of sweat and urine loss.
* Within two hours, drink enough to replace any weight loss from exercise.
* Drink approximately 20-24 ounces of sports drink per pound of weight loss.
* Dehydration usually occurs with a weight loss of two percent of body weight
or more.
Recommendations for Hydration, Cont.
WHAT NOT TO DRINK
* Drinks with Carbohydrate (CHO) concentrations of
greater than eight percent should be avoided.
* Fruit juices, CHO gels, sodas, and sports drinks that
have a CHO greater than six to eight percent are
not recommended during exercise as sole
beverages.
* Beverages containing caffeine, alcohol, and
carbonation are not to be used because of the high
risk of dehydration associated with excess urine
production, or decreased voluntary fluid intake.
A Few Items oF BusIness…..
•Team Press Box Personnel- Keep it professional
•Rock Hardball Classic/ Langerhans Invitational- Gate keepers,
Concession Sign up
•Team Portal will close tonight at midnight. Pick up handout for more info.
•Virtual Handbook – Handbook will be placed online.
•Dragon Scales- First one today- Great success- 110 kids completed
Home run. Excited about its future.
•Handbook Signature page.- Must be signed in order to play in first game.
Roles
Players – Play, Be a great teammate and team
member, Work hard in school and on the field,
Give back to your community, Maintain a great
attitude, Be a tough competitor…..
Coaches – Coach, Safety of Players, Plan and
lead workouts, Manage teams, Work with
administration, Deal with officials……..
Parent Roles
Parents –
1. Love your son and Support ALL players on the team
in a positive manner.
2. Volunteer to help with the booster club activities.
3. Help with fundraising for the program.
“Winning at all costs or being a breeding ground for
college programs is not the ultimate goal of a high school
sports program. It's about teaching kids about academic
and behavioral responsibility, and sacrificing the goals of
the individual for the betterment of the team.”
– Scott Kaiser (Parents out of bounds; Respect for coaches waning)
Coach Carter 512-428-7920
[email protected]
Varsity Assistant/Pitching Coach Venitucci
[email protected]
512-428-7921
JV Maroon Coach Kocurek 512-464-6274
[email protected]
JV White Coach Elizondo 512-464-6191
[email protected]