Justin Hess & Alex Wiesner go the Extra Mile
Coach Scott Hughes believes that the strength of the Deep Creek Hornets baseball team this season lies in their defense and pitching. He is quick to point out that there are strengths all around. “That’s not to say that our hitting is bad,” he explains, “but defense and pitching will definitely keep us in games this year.”
The Hornets will use those skills profusely this season; the Southeastern District is immensely competitive. While there are the usual favorites to come out ahead in the district, such as Great Bridge, Nansemond River, Western Branch and Hickory, Hughes is quick to point out that there are no hard and fast rules. “Baseball is an extremely forgiving sport,” he says. “If you’re good that day, you’re good that day. Anything and everything can happen.”
In fact, the Hornets have had their hearts broken at district tournaments the past two seasons, and both times only by one run, demonstrating how close the competition in their area is. “We’re not disappointed, though,” claims Hughes. “because we’ve worked hard and given a strong effort. We’re big on pride and work ethic.”
In light of the competitiveness in his district, Hughes focuses the Hornets’ attention where it is needed most. When practicing, Hughes pays special mind to the opponents that the young men will face in upcoming games. “If we see tendencies or patterns in a team that we can exploit, we adjust our style of play,” he says. “Our practices are not a photocopy of one another. We work on whatever will make us better for that week.”
When each game, and the season as a whole, is over, Hughes wants the Hornets to hold their heads high. He hopes that both he and his team can answer some questions positively. “Did I do my best as a coach? Did the athletes do the best they could? We hope we can look back at games and make sure that we did things right,” explains Hughes.
Seventeen-year-old senior Justin Hess is one of the infielders who will comprise Deep Creek’s strong defense this season. At shortstop, he brings to the infield several assets: he has a great defensive first step; his arm is strong and accurate; he has a great range. “In practice, I work on speed, hitting and fielding the ball because those are the areas that are in most need of improvement,” he says. Nevertheless, his abilities allowed him to garner an honorable mention in the Southeastern District last season.
Hess believes that the Hornets work on their hitting game, in addition to their strong defensive posture, will allow them to excel in the district this season. In particular, he looks forward to the games against Great Bridge and Nansemond River.
This fall, Hess will be attending Virginia Military Institute, and will play baseball there. Hess explains that individual initiative and some encouragement have allowed him to have a successful baseball career thus far. “I’m always striving to be the best athlete I can be,” he explains. “Also, my dad really works with me and helps me improve my performance, too.”
One athlete who helps make up Deep Creek’s stellar pitching squad is eighteen-year-old senior Alex Wiesner. At 6’5’’ Wiesner is an imposing presence on the mound. Like his teammate, Wiesner has earned an honorable mention for the all-Southeastern District team. His strong pitching credentials have led him to a productive college deal as well; Wiesner has already signed with Wake Forest University.
Wiesner has achieved the status of one of the district’s top pitchers by constantly honing his skills both during the varsity season and in the off-season as well. When working with the Hornets Wiesner works numerous areas including his abs and his legs, which he insists are a critical part of pitching. When not with the Hornets, Wiesner works with former major leaguer-turned-pitching coach Gary Lavelle.
Wiesner sees great promise in the Hornets this season. “We have lots of players who will go the extra mile to do well. They have a great head on their shoulders and a positive attitude. For example, if someone makes an error, both he and the rest of the team will keep playing to their full potential. That will win ball games.”
