As the 2025 baseball season gets underway, the Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets, led by head coach Nate Hunt, are focused on making every game count. For seniors Zac Clow, Kayden Packard, Ezra Kurek, and Camden Firebaugh, this final season represents years of dedication, growth, and teamwork.
Inspired by Family
For many of these players, their love for baseball started with family. Clow credits his father for teaching him to work hard, be a team player, and respect others. Packard’s grandfather introduced him to the sport early on. “As soon as I could walk, he put a bat in my hands,” he said.
Kurek admires his father’s consistency in life, while Firebaugh has always been motivated by his dad’s encouragement to keep pushing forward.
A Game-by-Game Mentality
When asked what game they were most looking forward to, the answer was clear—every single one.
“No game is bigger than the rest,” Clow said. “We want to win them all.”
That mindset reflects their team-wide commitment to consistency and determination.
Lessons from the Game
Baseball has taught each senior valuable life lessons. Clow and Firebaugh stress the importance of having a “short memory” and moving past mistakes.
“It can be a challenging game, so forgetting errors and focusing on the next play is really important,” Firebaugh said.
Packard has learned the value of perseverance. “The biggest thing baseball has taught me is to never give up on myself,” he said.
For Kurek, overcoming injuries has given him a new perspective. “I’ve learned not to take anything for granted,” he said.
Preparation and Growth
Physical and mental preparation is key. Clow stays relaxed and keeps his strength up in the weight room.
“I just try to keep my mind relaxed, stay in the weight room, and have fun,” he said.
Packard and Kurek trust their offseason work, while Firebaugh believes preparation before the season is key to handling its challenges.
Each senior has faced defining moments. Packard recalls a tough loss at the Marysville Softball Tournament as a turning point. Kurek points to the Bishop Hartley District Finals as motivation, and Firebaugh remembers the confidence his team gave him in a high-pressure moment against Wooster.
Balancing Baseball and Life
Managing baseball, school, and responsibilities is a challenge each senior takes seriously.
“School comes first,” Clow said. “Grades are a priority, and we have to be respectful because we represent the team.”
Packard keeps a structured schedule, Kurek stays focused on long-term goals, and Firebaugh embraces the student-athlete mindset.
Looking Ahead
As their final season unfolds, each senior has goals. Clow will continue playing at Mount St. Joseph, while Packard heads to Walsh University. Kurek, signed with Eastern Michigan, hopes to lift the team to success.
“I just want to bring as much energy as possible and win as many games as we can,” he said.
Firebaugh hopes to contribute to a championship run before studying business and finance in college.
With experience, leadership, and determination, the Yellow Jackets’ seniors are ready to leave everything on the field.
