Baseball team reads ‘Habitudes’ to develop leadership skills

The defending state baseball champions have been taking courses to build their leadership abilities since last year.

“Last year we won the state championship because we all knew what each other’s strengths and weakness were,” said senior third baseman, Kirby Jenkins who had a .227 overall batting average over the year. The team started this leadership class last year as they prepared for state. Not only has the class given them leadership skills, it created a closer bond as well from the top varsity team all the way to the lowerclassmen.

“We were all close and loved playing ball with each other,” said Jenkins.

This year as the team loses 14 seniors, the boys strive to maintain the same relationships to reach their overall goal.

“Last year everyone had a role and nobody tried to do more than that,” said senior right handed pitcher Blake Adams. “We would do anything to help the team.” Adams has played four years on the varsity baseball team. Last season Adams helped lead the team to a championship as the team’s ace. Adams finished the season with a 1.62 ERA.

The book that the boys are basing their lessons from is called Habitudes. According to www.growingleaders.com, Habitudes, by Tim Elmore, “combines images, relatable stories, and experiences into leadership development curriculum and lesson plans that resonate with today’s young adults, equipping them to navigate through life’s challenges and opportunities.”

The boys meet in a classroom and are usually there with several other athletes, such as members of the basketball team.

The book focuses on how to be different than the world and to be a “host instead of a guest.” The boys attend sessions every Friday morning to gain more leadership skills and to create the bonds that helped them achieve their goals.

“We know how to communicate successfully and what it takes to help each other succeed,” said senior right handed pitcher Ethan Taylor.

Overall the boys have been putting in work on and off the field. The team has been in the state championship two years in a row and won state last year, and they are trying to be champions in their lives as well.

“It really helps to bond with the underclassmen,” said senior right handed pitcher Landon McAllister, “to help to introduce them into our culture and program.”

This winning mentality has helped the program go 31-4 overall season last year under the coaching of head coach, Ron Bradley.