The Katahdin Cougars baseball team is looking to continue its tradition of being among the top contenders in Class D again this season.
Last year, the No. 9 Cougars under longtime coach Marty McCarthy were defeated in the Class D semifinals, 8-3, by No. 4 Southern Aroostook, who went on to play in the regional final against Bangor Christian. The Cougars graduated five strong senior players from that team.
“Coach McCarthy has had a great coaching career and will certainly be some big shoes to fill,” said first-year coach James Zabierek. “I’d like for all of my students to serve as a good example on and off the field. Respectful and responsible academic behavior is my first goal for all my team members. On the field, I’d like for us to have a winning record and see playoff action.
“I think we have a lot of potential and although we may be a bit on the younger side, most of our players already have a couple good years of high school ball experience and I see a great deal of potential,” he added.
Zabierek is a 2007 Katahdin graduate, who played for McCarthy his senior year. He was a pitcher and first baseman for the Cougars, along with spending time as a designated hitter and outfielder.
“I have never coached before, but am a big fan and analyst of the game and played my whole life up through high school,” Zabierek said.
Being a younger coach, Zabierek believes he brings some energy that players can identify with.
“I am still able to perform any of the activities that we perform in practice to show good examples or certain techniques for the players,” he said. “I also try to be very up front about my expectations for the team as a whole, as well as, each player and their individual role on the team. I want to make sure that each player knows their role on the team and feels valued. Whether your the bunter or the power hitter, your role on the team is important and valued.”
Zabierek believes his infield will be strong, and the pitching staff, if used properly, he can go deep enough to endure several games a week.
“I think this will be very important because with all the foreseeable reschedules due to the weather, we will likely have several games per week and need to have lots of strong pitching available,” he added. “We have an all-around solid team that will communicate well.”
The Cougars will be up against tough Class D teams, ranging from long time rival and RSU member Southern Aroostook, PVHS and Deer Isle-Stonington to defending Class D state champion Bangor Christian.
“I want to nurture a community of like-minded, motivated ballplayers who are responsible and disciplined young men in all areas of life,” Zabierek said. “I want to make sure that my players are not just good ball players, but also good students. The term is ‘student-athlete’ not ‘athlete-student.’ Being a good student is mandatory, being on the team is not. It’s a privilege. Being a teacher in the school puts me in direct contact with the students and their other teachers all day, so I can work closely with all parties to make sure my players are on the right track.”
