Caley Curtis
\nIn Motion Staff Writer<\/p>\n
It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s that moment every athlete dreams about.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s 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?<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Falcons Baseball Team has a foundation based on the mindset that it is, indeed, the \u201clittle things\u201d that lead to success, not the big moments.<\/p>\n
Tim Touma, Head Coach for Daytona State\u2019s Falcon Baseball Team said, \u201cThe formula for success is first found in the talent of the players.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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\u2019t usually get to see as far as helping the other guys out,\u201d said Coach Touma.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cGotta show my best.\u201d<\/p>\n
He has played ball since the age of four and has a unique talent known as \u201ca lefty righty,\u201d 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\u2019s success formula.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Touma believes that this year\u2019s ball players work well together. He said, \u201cIt is due to great attitudes and a willingness to be a part of a fun year for everybody, coaches included.\u201d<\/p>\n
He has been impressed with how fast the team has come together and how much experience everyone gained in just a few short months.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m 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\u2019t been like that,\u201d Touma said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Coach Touma encourages the student body to come out to the field and help support the Falcons.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe games are free. Pick a nice day in either the fall or the spring and come out. It\u2019s very good baseball, better than most people think. Come on out and show support for the Falcons.\u201d<\/p>\n
This spring\u2019s schedule will kick off Feb. 1 in Daytona. For the spring schedule visit http:\/\/www.daytonastate.edu\/baseball\/index.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Caley Curtis In Motion Staff Writer It\u2019s 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\u2019s that moment every athlete dreams about. It\u2019s the Continue reading Baseball and the power of preparation<\/span>