Interview by Carl Frederick
Interview by Carl Frederick
The Lancaster Catholic Crusaders are 7 Innings away from the 3A State Championship, they take on the powerhouse Central Dragons this Friday for the gold. Central is 25-0 looking to cap off their perfect season with one last victory over the Crusaders. First year Head Coach of Lancaster Catholic stopped by to share his thoughts on the game, his squads’ historic season and what this has meant for the community.
Carl Frederick: Tell us more about your season, when did you have a good idea this team was capable of making it to the State title game?
Steve Remly: We started the season off on a hot stretch starting 6-0 and had an early setback against a good Annville Cleona team that gave us an eye opener that everything wasn’t as easy as we thought and that we had to work harder. We played some great teams during the regular season such as Manheim Central (1-0 win) Donegal (1-0 win in extra innings) Trinity (4-3 win). Each big game was a confidence boost that this team has great potential to go very far. After each loss we reevaluated as a team and were able to use each one as a true learning moment and build as a team. As the season went on and seeing the determination from the players to consistently strive to be better it began showing off which gave us the confidence we needed that we belong here.
CF: Were there any moments during the season where you saw your squad come together as a team, maybe like a turning point?
SR: All through the season you have those small moments where when something went wrong like an error or a strike out or just a negative play that happened, the guys pick each other up in those situations. The moment I truly realized we had a tight group was one night after practice the night before a playoff game I stopped in to get takeout dinner at Hot Z pizza and as I walk in, I see the team having a pregame meal together. I later found out that this was tradition for the team since very early on in the season. Just this simple aspect proved to myself and the staff that this team is destined for success
CF: What can you tell us about your opponent?
SR: Central is a very good team. They are a talented group from the top of the order to the bottom. They are 25-0 for a reason.
CF: During the days leading up to the game, what has it been like for you and the community?
SR: Our guys are excited to be in this situation to win the last game of the season. We feel we’ve built ourselves to be in games like this to compete at high levels. The support from the parents and school have been tremendous. Currents students, former players, and alumni are all in support of this team and we feel their support.
CF: Give us a breakdown of what Lancaster Catholic has to accomplish to bring home the title?
SR: We will need to keep them off balance at the plate and have a good approach at the plate offensively, followed up with good defense to back our pitchers. Must play a full 7 innings locked in every pitch