“New culture, new expectations, a new way of conducting operations.” That’s the attitude of first-year Centerburg head baseball coach Josh Moss.
Moss, who replaced the retiring Joe Smith, feels he is up to the task of moving the program forward and developing character in his players.
“Coming in and taking over for Coach Smith is a challenge in itself,” Moss said. “Coach was here for 20-plus years, and he had a certain way of doing things and a certain way of communicating goals and expectations. Now the challenge is getting everyone on board with a different voice and direction.”
The traditional values of the game and the positive impact it has on athletes is a hallmark of the new coach's philosophy.
“I believe it is our job as a coaching staff to pass on our knowledge of the game to our players. I want our guys to know that playing baseball not only builds character and confidence but also a sense of accomplishment,” Moss said. “We are a goal-oriented program. I also believe that sports and the game of baseball help prepare our athletes for life.”
Early into the preseason, he’s seeing results.
“We're three weeks into the season, and I think we are starting to speak the same language,” Moss said. “We believe in playing selfless baseball and putting the team first.”
Following a .500 record in 2021 (11-11, 7-7 KMAC) the Trojans have high expectations in trying to move the program forward.
“I will say that our boys are focused on competing for our first league title since the early 1980s, ” Moss said.
Moss, who attended and played baseball at Northridge High School and OSU-Newark, is not new to the KMAC. Last season, he coached pitchers at East Knox, and prior to that, he spent three years as hitting coach at Centerburg under Smith.
The opportunity to play for, and coach with, outstanding mentors has shaped the first-year head coach’s philosophy about baseball and how to treat people.
"Family,” Moss said. “ We believe this team, school, and community are one big family. Everything we do is to represent them well. On the field and in the classroom, we are going to do our best to make them all proud.”
Moss cannot credit one individual for his development as a coach. “I've been fortunate to hae been around some great leaders and coaches throughout my adult life who have impacted who I am and how I coach,” Moss said.
In addition to being a new coaching staff, the Trojans face the task of retooling their lineup following the graduation of a strong senior class. “We lost Tyler Harry (Fairmont State), Joe Tepper (Ohio Wesleyan), Trey Kendrick, Brock Hurtt, and Ian Arny, three of our top five hitters and our top two arms from a season ago,” Moss said. “The challenge will be getting younger guys or first-time varsity starters ready to take on those roles.”
Moss sees East Knox and Fredericktown as strong KMAC contenders. The Bulldogs have great senior leadership and a strong sophomore class, while the Freddies may have the best one-two pitching combination in the league.
But don’t discount the Trojan's chances.
“We are counting on our seniors to be leaders and returning letter winners to take a step forward from last season,” Moss said. “We have some newcomers who we will be counting on to fill a void from graduation and embrace a new position or a new role.”
Centerburg’s strength lies up the middle, led by Dalton Hall behind the plate and Dakota Baer in center field. Hall, who has committed to play at Alma College, is a consistent and experienced backstop, while Baer batted .402 and stole 18 bases last season and was named Ohio Division III Honorable Mention All-State.
“We’ll be in the mix if we can sort out our pitching rotation,” Moss said.
Centerburg opened the season on March 14 vs. Lucas.
Following the season opener, the Trojans are set to face
March 18: Centerburg vs. Marion Harding, 5 p.m.
March 21: Centerburg vs. Liberty Union, 5:15 p.m.
March 24: Centerburg at Johnstown-Monroe, 5 p.m.
