As the Mount Vernon baseball team prepares to take the field for the 2025 season, head coach Nate Hunt is eager to see the hard work of his players pay off. With 12 seniors leading the way, Hunt believes this year’s squad has the experience, discipline and drive to make an impact.
For Hunt, coaching baseball isn’t just about winning games—it’s about giving back to the sport that shaped him.
“When I was growing up, baseball was something that gave me happiness,” Hunt said. “I was very fortunate to play at Heath High School and be coached by Hall of Fame coach Dave Klontz. He gave me the greatest gift of all—the vision of wanting to become a teacher and a high school baseball coach.”
Now, at the helm of Mount Vernon’s program, Hunt strives to instill that same passion in his players, ensuring they leave the program proud of their time wearing the yellow and black.
Experience Leads the Way
One of the biggest strengths of this year’s team is its depth of returning talent. Many of the team’s seniors were thrown into key roles as sophomores, gaining valuable varsity experience early in their careers.
“I am excited to see this group compete,” Hunt said. “When the season ended last year, I told those now seniors, ‘It is time to put in the work, and they need to utilize every minute on the field, in the weight room, and in the field house to get better for 2025.’”
That message didn’t go unheard. From late-night phone calls requesting extra practice time to early-morning weightlifting sessions, Hunt has seen his players push themselves harder than ever.
Players to Watch
Several returning starters will be key contributors this season. Senior standouts include:
• Kayden Packard (RHP/3B)
• Ezra Kurek (C)
• Zac Clow (SS/RHP)
• Jagger Dohn (LHP/1B)
• Isaiah Columber (LF)
• Cam Firebaugh (LHP/1B)
• Caden Theibert (RF)
• Ethan Yost (UTL)
Sophomores making an impact include Nolan Hershberger (UTL) and Dammon Wolfe (2B), both of whom bring versatility and talent to the lineup.
A New Look, A New Mentality
Beyond the team’s experience and dedication, fans will notice some visible upgrades this season.
“Physically, you are going to see brand-new jerseys on the guys this spring and a new and improved look down at the field,” Hunt said.
Thanks to strong support from the administration, athletic boosters and community members, the varsity field has undergone renovations to enhance the game-day experience.
But it’s not just about aesthetics—Hunt believes fans will also see a more disciplined and focused team.
“The improvement you will see is a much more disciplined and experienced baseball team,” Hunt said. “This is simply a byproduct of having a lot of returning players who have been in big games, big moments and faced adversity together.”
Building a Legacy
At the heart of Hunt’s coaching philosophy is the desire to create lasting memories and valuable life lessons for his players.
“My motivation for coaching baseball at Mount Vernon is that I want to give each player in our program the same experience and love for the game that I got when I played high school baseball,” Hunt said. “Baseball teaches you life lessons and relationships that will last a lifetime, but it also teaches you how to handle adversity.”
As the Yellow Jackets take the field this spring, one thing is clear: This is a team that has put in the work, embrace the grind and is ready to make its mark.
