April 9, 2009

Dear Friends, Family, Booster Club Members and Future Panthers,

Welcome to another addition of Coaches Corner where you will get an update on what is going on inside of Panther Baseball.  You will also read about one of the former or current Panthers in our spotlight section.

Today we would like to spotlight Jared Davis. JD is a senior outfielder from Wynne, Arkansas.  JD is being spotlighted today because of his consistent positive attitude and desire to contribute to the success of our team in whatever capacity he is able to.  JD just recently discovered some tendencies from our opponent in the dugout that allowed us to relay some valuable information to a hitter and led to a game winning hit.  These small details of the game are crucial to our success and it is a tribute to players like JD.

Last night we beat Hastings College by a score of 17-11 which put our record at 19-15.  We endured some frustration early as we gave up a six run inning but overcame and answered back with a twelve run inning of our own. 

In between innings I pulled the team up in the dugout and told them that this type of game was a blessing to us because we need to learn to be confident when we are behind and develop the tenacity to fight back and win those games.  This is something we have emphasized as a staff recently and have been able to come back and win in two occasions this week.  Fighting is going to be part of our identity this year if we want to accomplish our goals.

We musty develop the mentality of a boxer.  A boxer starts his preparation early and has a plan to wear down the other fighter with each punch.  Every round he attacks and looks for the opportunity for a knockout.  Each round can be compared to each inning we play.  Our goal is to win every inning by constantly attacking our opponent by aggressively playing the game.  Our goal is to wear down our opponent and expose their weaknesses looking for the knockout.  Each hard hit ball, great, play, and strikeout is wounding them until they can’t fight anymore.  As a team we must be conditioned enough mentally and physically to withstand a few punches and fight back. 

Our lives aren’t much different.  The world tries to attack us through tragedy, stress, broken relationships, guilt, and disappointments.  This is the devil trying to give us the big knock out punch. 

We can rest assured because we have the ultimate trainer in our corner.  God says in John 16:33 here on earth you may have trials and sorrows but take heart because I have overcome the world. It is foolish to think that a relationship with God will keep us free from an attack.  The attack is always near but once you have trusted Christ as your savior you will begin to see that He has a better game plan that will outlast the world. 

If we are willing to spend time training with the Lord through prayer, reading, and fellowship with other believers he will enable us with the skills necessary to win the ultimate fight.  These skills are courage, hope, love, patience, forgiveness, self control, wisdom and many others.  We just have to take it one round at a time.

Sincerely,

Coach Harlan