STICKIN TO IT

Sophomore Luke Harmon winds up to throw during the game against Hamilton Southeast.

By Hannah Larson Design by Annagail Fields Photos For Triangle

BASEBALL

After having their season taken away a year prior due to COVID-19, the Columbus North baseball team is finally ready to get back on the field. However, the pandemic may still change the way the season will run.

“This season will be different because there’s not as many people as we want in the stands with restrictions and everything, but it’s just something everyone has to deal with,” senior Austin Bode said. “But mentally this season will be different because we didn’t have a season last year. Nothing will get taken for granted this year, and we’re ready to rock.”

Senior Kyler McIntosh also feels a setback after not having a season last year, and anxious about the changes this year may bring.

“[One thing that has been hard is] not having the normal amount of people at the games,” McIntosh said. “This means my friends don’t really get to come watch me.”

Although many changes have been put in place, the team is still finding ways to be excited about the season.

“I am looking forward to finally being back on the field with my friends and can’t wait to see what we can accomplish,” McIntosh said.

Despite the negative challenges COVID-19 has imposed on the season, Bode is proud of his team’s perseverance.

“We have a pretty tough schedule this year, but I think we’re up for the challenge,” Bode said. “It’ll only help us when it comes tournament time.”

One key obstacle is younger athletes having to start their high school baseball careers in unprecedented circumstances. In this uncertain time, Bode acknowledges the importance of leadership.

“[I have been] using my experience to help lead the younger guys,” Bode said. “Being a senior, I’ve taken a leadership role, so right now I’m trying to be a better leader and communicator. With this being a very seniorheavy team, this season will set an example for the younger guys moving forward. With a tough schedule like what we have, you can get down pretty easily, so for me, I’m trying to get everyone in good spirits.”

This season has not stopped players from working on their goals.

“I’m expecting to win the state championship, as I do every year but also [have] a great time with my teammates,” McIntosh said. “I hope we grow closer with having to go through all of this as a team.”

Players are still grateful for the season and aren’t letting these changes keep their excitement at bay.

“I am very excited for the season, as we didn’t have one last year, so the excitement has built up. [We are also] ranked fourth in the state, which I believe is the highest we’ve been ranked since I’ve been at North, and [I] can’t wait to see what we can do,” McIntosh said.

Bode shares the same excitement for the season as McIntosh.

“I’m very excited for this season,” Bode said. “It’s been way too long since I’ve put a Columbus North jersey on, so I’m ready to go.”

Austin Bode is a senior on the Columbus North baseball team and has been playing all four years. He is looking forward to being a leader and example for the younger players on the team.

Kyler McIntosh is a senior on the baseball team. He is excited for this season and hoping to win the state championship this year.