In addition to being one of three head resident assistants, Seton Hill University’s (SHU) Andrew Kirsch, a senior, is also a member of the SHU Baseball team.
SHU’s baseball program has been very successful in past years, being named 2006 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) East Coast Super Regional Champions, NAIA Region XI Champions, as well as back to back American Mideast Conference North Division Champions in 2006 and 2007.
By Steve Meredith,
Staff Writer
In addition to being one of three head resident assistants, Seton Hill University’s (SHU) Andrew Kirsch, a senior, is also a member of the SHU Baseball team.
SHU’s baseball program has been very successful in past years, being named 2006 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) East Coast Super Regional Champions, NAIA Region XI Champions, as well as back to back American Mideast Conference North Division Champions in 2006 and 2007.
“Playing for [coach Marc Marizzaldi] is a full time job. We train year round. Generally, we practice two and a half to three hours a day, six days a week all year long. Whether it is countless hours in the batting cages, lifting weights, or running — we are constantly training. Also, we each play on teams in the summer in wooden bat leagues,” said Kirsch.
That constant amount of practice has lead to the Griffins posting some impressive victories over powerhouse Slippery Rock, as well as a series sweep of Wheeling Jesuit on Senior Day.
The SHU baseball team’s work ethic has been instrumental towards their success. This year the team has faced, and will continue to face some very impressive teams.
“The teams we face this year are all impressive ball clubs, but I think we match up well with them. We are 4-1 currently against those teams and 8-4 in the WVIAC. A sweep against UPJ will clinch the conference. With that said, I think we are in a pretty good position to do what we set out to and that is win our fourth straight conference title. So, yes, I do think we match up well with the others in the conference,” Kirsch said.
So how does the team stay focused amidst such formidable competition?
“Lately, we have been passing around red bulls and other energy drinks before the games to get the guys fired up. It’s kind of a joke, but the guys think they play better,” he added.
“Also, the outfielders huddle up before each game and freshman Dan Asfalk plays the part of an insane coach screaming hilarious one-liners. It keeps the guys loose and ready to go,” he said.
While Kirsch will be graduating this spring, he has high hopes for the team in future years.
“I plan to stay close with the team and help the program out anyway I can. We have a lot of great young talent and I see a great deal of success for the team in the future,” Kirsch said.