Coach’s Corner: An Interview with Men's Baseball Head Coach, Mike Lebel
Welcome to "Coach's Corner," where we sit down with coaches from Sault College's athletic teams to gain insights into their goals, and the season ahead. Today, we are interviewing Men's Baseball Head Coach, Mike Lebel, as he prepares for the program's second season in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA).
After starting the program last year, what are you looking forward to most this season?
Coach Lebel: This year I'm most excited about watching the continued development of the program and the individual growth of each player. Last season provided us with the invaluable experience of competing in the OCAA and assessing our competition. From that experience, we identified areas where we needed to improve to be even more competitive.
In what ways have you seen the program grow after the first season?
Coach Lebel: We've seen significant growth in the program, thanks in part to our dedicated scouts who have helped us recruit athletes with improved overall athletic ability. This has given us greater depth in our lineup, which is crucial for making necessary in-game and season-long adjustments. We've also expanded our reach by adding two American players, Aiden Russell and Bryce Blixit, both from Michigan, to our team.
What veteran players are you looking to make a big impact for your team this season?
Coach Lebel: We have some key veteran players who will undoubtedly make a significant impact this season. Shortstop Marc Chamberlain from Scarborough, with a batting average of .311, will be a vital player for us. Matt Forsey from Sault Ste. Marie, who is both a pitcher and infielder and batted an even .300 last season, will provide important versatility. Additionally, Lucas Ingratta from Leamington, a returning starting pitcher, will play a pivotal role in leading our team.
How many new players are joining the team this year?
Coach Lebel: We have 10 new players this season, and the expectation is that they will all contribute to the continued development of our program.
What's the team's overall goal this season?
Coach Lebel: Our realistic team goal for the 2023 season is to qualify for playoffs. With the influx of talented players, we'll be working hard as a team to achieve this goal. Our reminder to the players before every game will be to strive to do something better than they did in the previous game. Continuous improvement is a fundamental principle we emphasize.
Thank you, Coach Lebel, for sharing your insights with us as you prepare for an exciting season of Cougars baseball. We'll be eagerly watching as the team strives for success and growth on the diamond.
The Cougars begin their season on the road this weekend against the Durham Lords (Saturday, Sept. 9) and Centennial Colts (Sunday, Sept. 10). To view the full schedule, click here.
Photo credit: Freeze Frame Photos