Trying to employ a new or different system into an already existing structure may be one of the most challenging tasks a new head coach can face. Fortunately for Pella High baseball coach Al Vasher, an open line of communication with his veteran leaders made for a smooth transition early in the season and helped pave the way for success down the road. Vasher says his team’s seniors played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the program this summer.

“I knew that all six of them were going to contribute in some way, shape, or form; and that’s huge for an incoming coach,” said Vasher. “[It was important] to be able to lean on that leadership a little bit, [and] be able to pull one or two of them aside when you needed to and say, ‘hey, this is what I’m thinking – how do you think the team will react to this? Is this something you’ve done in the past? Are you guys up for this; what do you think?’ I tried to create a situation where they could come to me too and ask me questions.”

Five of Pella High’s six seniors – Paul Anderson, Schyler Kane, Brett Kingery, Aaron Tysseling and Trevor Wood – started; while Jacob DeWaard was a dependable pitcher and batter for the Little Dutch. The half dozen seniors helped lead Pella High to a 19-17 overall record this past season; making it all the way to the Substate Finals in the postseason.