Caley Curtis
In Motion Staff Writer
It’s the touchdown that wins the game. The sound of the ball sweeping through the net as the buzzer sounds. The cracking from the bat as the ball travels into space calling all players home.
It’s that moment every athlete dreams about.
It’s the taste of glory where all eyes fall on one player. But how does a human acquire such an appetite for victory that it leads to success?
Portrayed in movies with bright lights, with a close-up of sweat rolling down the forehead, and more often then not, the elegant sound of a racing heartbeat. But rarely does the world gain such a glimpse into the every day realities of athletes. The part of their reality that actually matters most when it comes to the game.
The Falcons Baseball Team has a foundation based on the mindset that it is, indeed, the “little things” that lead to success, not the big moments.
Tim Touma, Head Coach for Daytona State’s Falcon Baseball Team said, “The formula for success is first found in the talent of the players.” Coach Touma and his team plan months in advance to critically recruit key players. One of these key players is sophomore outfielder Nathan Bond, who can be described as a confident young man with a love for the game.
“This guy knows what it takes. He works hard, gets very good grades, but does a lot of things away from the yard that the fans won’t usually get to see as far as helping the other guys out,” said Coach Touma.
Bond was an all-star conference selection as a freshman and was looking forward to his showcase at the all-star game at the end of October. His strategy for the two-day competition with Lakeland was simple “Gotta show my best.”
He has played ball since the age of four and has a unique talent known as “a lefty righty,” where he has the ability to bat with either hand and is usually used to replace someone in the lineup if the team is in need of a hit. Bond is an asset for the Falcons and a pivotal part of the coach’s success formula.
But besides talent, Coach Touma also stresses the importance of how the team grows together. This is what will have the greatest impact on what translates, ultimately, into victory. From early morning weight training to late night hang out sessions, these boys have created a bond that is significant.
Touma believes that this year’s ball players work well together. He said, “It is due to great attitudes and a willingness to be a part of a fun year for everybody, coaches included.”
He has been impressed with how fast the team has come together and how much experience everyone gained in just a few short months.
“I’m not ready for the fall to end just yet to tell you the truth. The fall is usually tougher than the spring, but this hasn’t been like that,” Touma said.
With the spring season just around the corner, the Falcons are in challenging territory, yet well prepared. Coach Touma believes their strengths will be found by focusing on pitching and defensive skills.
With only two returning pitchers and six returning position players, a lot of freshmen will have to step up to the plate ready for anything. Yet, they must keep in mind that this season has a lot more bus travel than new players are used to and they will still have to maintain their academics. The goal for the season is to make the state tournament and build from there.
Coach Touma encourages the student body to come out to the field and help support the Falcons.
“The games are free. Pick a nice day in either the fall or the spring and come out. It’s very good baseball, better than most people think. Come on out and show support for the Falcons.”
This spring’s schedule will kick off Feb. 1 in Daytona. For the spring schedule visit http://www.daytonastate.edu/baseball/index.html.