The Warrior baseball team is determined to make a run in the state tournament this spring.

  The Warriors’ loss in the first round of Districts last year has motivated them to set their goals even higher.

  Senior and second baseman Sammy Miller knows the feeling of defeat will fuel this year’s team.  It seems that every player on the team is looking forward to a long season lasting through post-season playoffs.

   “Hopefully we will make a run at the state championship,” said Miller. “We should be pretty good. We’ve worked hard all off-season, so hopefully we make a run of something special.”

  The team has set out to reach a shorter term goal than the state championship. The Warriors first have their eyes set on the County Championship.

  Sophomore starter Connor Hood also is expecting the team to go far in playoffs.  Hood will be the returning starting shortstop.

  “Our team goal is to go 16.4 miles to Sovereign Bank stadium in York, PA where the York Revolution team plays because that’s where the county championship is,” said Hood. “We want to win that and then just go as far as we can after that.”

  With a large portion of the team returning with varsity playing time, even Coach Tim Hare, also video production and career seminar teacher at Susquehannock, has high expectations for the season.

  “We’re a talented team,” said Hare. “We should be able to go pretty far in county and district playoffs.”

  These goals could not be met without hard work during the off-season. By meeting at least five days a week, the team is able to stay focused on the upcoming season.

  “We lift three days a week and condition,” said Hood. “On Tuesdays and Thursdays we hit. The team comradery is just amazing.”

  The players’ passion is clearly displayed by the amount of participation seen at work outs.

  “We typically have anywhere between 16 and 22 guys come in for weight room workouts,” said Hare. “We have had pretty good participation, considering we have probably 8-10 athletes that are playing winter sports.”

  Ten of the fifteen players on last year’s varsity team were juniors making this spring their final baseball season as a Warrior. With much of the team graduating this year, there is a sense of urgency to work hard and leave their mark on Susquehannock.

  “It impacts our team in that we have a lot of good leadership…” said Hare. “… It gives them a sense of urgency because they know this is it, and if they want to do something special, this is kind of their last chance.”

  Miller has signed on to play Division I baseball at Longwood University. Playing a collegiate sport can impact the way an athlete feels about their last season and the way a player interacts with their team.

  “You try to be a leader,” said Miller. “Be the best you can be to bring the team up with you.”

  With many strong opponents also looking to make it to states, the Warriors will have a competitive season.