ABOVE: Back Row (L-R): Reagan Emmert, Carter Langford, Carson Hastad, Ethan Jaskulke, Griffin Studer, Braeden Shell, Elliott Flohrs, Bryce Borkenhagen Front Row (L-R)Bowan Sill, Landon Schneider, Jackson Clow, Curtis Bressler, Wyatt Lewis, Talin Thate, Carter Werner Not pictured: Isaac Taplin, Lane Kruse

TRUMAN – The Granada-Huntley-East Chain/Truman/Martin Luther Jaguars baseball team is ready for opening day. With a veteran roster and an influx of new players, there is little doubt from the coaching staff that they will stay competitive.

“[Our goal is] being competitive,” said Jaguars head coach Jordan Petschke. “We’ll win some and we’ll lose some, but the goal for every game is to compete with everything you have. Leave it all on the field.”

The Jaguars should have no problem remaining competitive returning four seniors in Braeden Shell, Carson Hastad, Isaac Taplin and Carter Langford. Five juniors in Griffin Studer, Elliot Flohrs, Reagan Emmert, Jackson Clow, Lane Kruse and two sophomores, Bryce Borkenhagen, Curtis Bressler.

In addition to the returning talent on the diamond, the Jaguars added six freshmen to the squad this season in Carter Werner, Landon Schneider, Talin Thate, Ethan Jaskulke, Wyatt Lewis and Bowan Sill.

The Jaguars are focused on constant, consistent improvement this season. The squad takes the most pride in its defense, which was a major key to its success in previous seasons.

“[Our focus is] getting better day in and day out,” said Petschke. “Baseball is easy to explain and hard to execute. We take pride in our defense. Always being mentally prepared for any situation we may encounter. Hitting will come and go, but defense and not having mental errors is where we look to excel.”

The mentality heading into opening day is, ‘Do your job.’ This is to ensure that when each player’s number is called, they are ready to go and perform at their best.

“Compete, fill your shoes,” said Petschke. “Don’t worry about anyone else and do your job when called upon.”

It comes down to attitude for Petschke. Being a team player and having mental toughness will be key to seeing the team grow throughout the season.

“You can make a ball player out of a kid with a good attitude,” said Petschke. “Hard work and being mentally tough goes a long way in this game. You can have all the ability in the world, but if you’re a bad teammate, or only thinks of themselves, you won’t be playing.”

The Jaguars open their season with a 4:30 p.m. game against Martin County West on Thursday.