Baseball co-op ready for next step

Abby/Colby back to battle for conference

Now officially into its second season after a year long hiatus stemming from COVID-19, the Abbotsford/Colby baseball co-op has some pretty firm goals in mind for the 2021 season.

First and foremost, the plan is to pick up more wins than in 2019, but also to get more experience for a promising group of freshmen and sophomores.

“Our goal is to get kids as many games as possible, and to continue to develop a successful program,” returning head coach Ryan Bargender says. “The ultimate goal isn’t just to have a good season here or there, but to develop a program that is successful every year.”

Bargender is back as head coach, and now that he’s had a full year to work with students from both districts, he says he has a better grasp of the team’s strengths and weaknesses than he did in 2019.

The co-op boasts over two dozen players, enough for a junior varsity team, but while Abby/Colby will have enough bodies to fill out their roster, Bargender says there’s going to be a steep learning curve after the twelve month absence. That’s where the senior class comes in.

“The kids seem very hungry. They’re ready to play after missing last year,” Bargender says during practice. “Our group of seniors is doing well, as far as leadership and buying in to what we’re doing, and encouraging the younger kids. So that’s good to see.”

Also good to see is the number of returning players, especially when it comes to pitching and hitting. Pitching and hitting should be solid, but that was not a problem, even two years ago. Out of over 400 at bats in 2019, Abby/Colby reached base over 30 percent of the time.

But once on base the co-op struggled, leaving runners stranded, and failing to put runs on the board in close games. Bargender says his players need to work on ball placement and keeping defenses on their toes to bring runners home.

“Two years ago we would have guys on base, and two would strike out. We need to put the ball in play, and if we are going to make an out, we have to make it a productive out,” Bargender said.

“We will look to keep defenses on their toes, putting pressure on the defense. I like to run, and we have some good team speed, so it would be nice to get out to an early lead, steal some bases, and be the ones putting pressure on the defense.”

To do that, the co-op will need to improve not just their baseball IQ, but also their mental focus.

“I keep telling the kids, baseball is a simple game of throw and catch. Whatever team can do that the best will win. We have to make the plays that are there for us, and throw strikes and make teams earn a win.”

The co-op welcomes an infusion of athleticism this year, with seniors Mason Carpenter and Cade Faber two of the more noticeable additions. Faber and Carpenter distinguished themselves in track in 2019, earning all-conference in several events. They’ll bring that speed and quickness to the co-op which hopes to see a lot more stolen bases in 2021.

“I love putting pressure on the defense, whether it be the running game, trying to steal bases, or trying some small ball. Guys have to be able to contribute somehow. I keep telling them, if you’re not hitting well, and we got guys on base, don’t be shocked if I give you the bunt sign.”

The co-op also has the advantage of experience, especially with Abby’s Hunter Soyk and Colby’s Ross Elmhorst. Both have played baseball for years. They’re hoping their knowledge can trickle down to the sophomores and freshmen.

“I’m just trying to teach them the basic fundamentals and to respect the coaches and be coachable,” Soyk says. “It feels really good to be back and having a season after last year’s got cancelled. It’s nice to know I get to have a senior season.”

Another advantage the co-op will have in 2021 is depth. With over two dozen players, there will be anywhere from 1517 JV games. That ensures every kid is playing every week.

“The best nine on Day One will not be the best nine on the last game of the season,” Bargender says. “Things will change, people will step up, but also having those numbers, and being able to get a full JV schedule, is going to be crucial to develop our younger kids.”

Among those younger players to watch are Blake Bargender, Evan Reis, Carlos Baseball

Lara, JV Castillo and Nevin Michlig.

They, along with their fellow freshman, comprise the second largest group of players behind this year’s seniors. They’ve had some good years with the Abby Heat, winning a state title in Marshfield several years ago, but even so, Bargender knows it will take time before they are ready to contribute.

“Our freshman group is our largest group, and they’ve played together a long time and have the potential to earn some playing time on varsity this year and get their feet wet. That will be crucial as they develop their careers,” Bargender says.

While it might be some time before they see a start at varsity, Bargender did tell them to be ready to come in at a moment’s notice, especially given how truncated this season is, with 25 games sandwiched into roughly two months.

“There will be times when they will be called upon in big situations. They’re going to be putting pressure on the guys above them, and I think everyone here embraces completion and wants to win. So having more competitive practices will be huge for our season this year.”

Of course, the biggest hurdle is just the year off from competition thanks to the coronavirus. Bargender has no idea what other teams look like, and he’s busy getting his players back up to speed.

That’s why the 15 contact days granted to them by the WIAA are so crucial.

“We’ve been fortunate that the WIAA has granted us 15 contact days. That’s given me 15 more days to get to know some of the freshman from Colby and even some of our Abby kids who have not played in a while. So practice-wise, that gives us a good base.”

With the season set to get underway this last week of April, there’s a feeling of excitement to be back, but also to put some respect on the co-op’s name. As a senior, Elmhorst is hoping to go out with a bang.

“I think we have a pretty good chance of winning conference,” Elmhorst says confidently. “We’re getting better and better every day. It’s going to be a crazy season, but as long as people are willing to grind, we should do OK.”

That’s a sentiment that he shares with Bargender, who also believes this is a year that Abby/Colby can make some noise. The co-op was in a lot of close games, and with strong pitching and hitting from Soyk, Elmhorst, Marco and Nico Olvera returning, Year Two has a lot of potential to be a big one.

“We want to compete. We’ve proven that we can do that two years ago. Kids just have to believe in themselves and their game,” says Bargender as practice gets over and the sun begins to set.

No matter what happens, Bargender said the team has already won just by having a season and proving their co-op could be successful.

“As far as the kids go, we just see baseball players. We all have the A/C logo on the baseball cap. The kids get along together, work hard together, and we all want to win together.”

TARGET ACQUIRED - Freshman Evan Reis shows off his hand-eye coordination during last month’s WIAA sanctioned contact days.

FRESH FACE - Abbotsford freshman JV Castillo gets ready to throw a pitch during the co-op’s 15 contact days earlier this year in March.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT -A pair of Abbotsford/Colby baseball players practice fielding ground balls during their WIAA approved 15 contact days. The Abby/Colby baseball co-op is getting a bit of a late start to their season in 2021. The first games of the season are this week.

GET IT IN THE GLOVE -Members of the Abbtotsford/Colby baseball coop work on their catching and throwing indoors last month. This year’s co-op features over two dozen players, with the senior and freshmen classes having the most numbers.

WELCOME ABOARD -Abby senior Mason Carpenter is making the switch from track to baseball in 2021.STAFF PHOTOS/ROSS PATTERMANN