By Justin Lemanski, sports reporter
The Fighting Saints Softball team got off to a good start in the fall with a 3-1 record, and now are heading down to Texas to play against very good competition to start off their spring season. The Saints will be matched up against UT-Tyler, Letourneau, UT-Dallas, Murray State, Eastern Oklahoma, Grayson CC, and Connors.
Q&A with Head Coach Zak Mayo
Q: After posting a 3-1 fall record how do you feel heading into the spring season?
A: We posted a 3-1 record this fall, and I was very proud of the team for that. We also had the opportunity to play many scrimmage games against other very high quality programs, and we were able to compete with them and do very well. The fall record shows that we can compete, so we feel good about the the upcoming spring.
Q: How do you believe the team will play against the competition during your spring trip to Texas?
A: I expect us to go out and compete to our very best ability. We will be facing some of the top programs in the southern region. The purpose of southern trips are to help prepare for the season and get the “rust off.” Being in the gym, we all become a little rusty because we haven’t played outside yet this season. I expect us to do just that, and I believe that we will be competitive.
Q: What do you believe will be most important for the team to be successful this season?
A: I believe that it will be most important for us to stay in good physical shape to be successful this season. I have confidence in the coaching staff and in the players for skills development; now it is up to all of us to stay in shape and healthy.
Q: What have your and your coaching staff done to prepare your team for a 30+ game schedule this season? How has your team prepared to play at their best, and stay healthy?
A: Our coaching staff and players go through yoga sessions and core workouts multiple times per week. This helps us with flexibility and strength training. This has been crucial thus far for us.
Q: What are your goals and expectations for the team going into this season?
A: My goals as the coach are to be competitive and play with urgency. I believe that if we do those two things then the results of that will show in the W and L columns. I feel that we can do well in our conference if we all play together and execute to how we have been doing in practice. I also feel that we can be competitive out of conference, and I expect that as well.
Q: Who are the leaders on the team? And how do you expect them to help the team be successful on and off the field?
A: I believe that each individual on the team leads in their own way. It is quite remarkable to see this as a coach and I have never experienced this before. I look forward to what the season has in store for us and how each person will play an integral part in our success.
