KANSAN.COM
15
SPORTS
Change in practice schedule frustrates coaches
MATT HOFFMANN
@MattHoffmannUDK
Change in practice schedule
Because of a change in the way classes are ordered, Kansas baseball players now have a new practice schedule that starts later in the day.
It's the first time in 12 years that coach Ritch Price has had to change the way his team practices, and he expressed he wasn't too pleased about it.
"We're doing their hitting during the day around (the player's) class schedule and we're not starting practice until 3:45, and then they go to the weight room at 5," Price said. "It's a full day but it's different because of the class problems we've had."
Assistant coaches have had to put in a lot of work to switch to a
different practice schedule.
FILE PHOTO/KANSAN
more down time.
"There's no doubt [that it's tougher this way], it takes really good organization on the part of my assistants to put the guys in the groups around their class times," Price said. "Otherwise wed practice normally at 3 o'clock and wed have no infielders."
Infielder Matt McLaughlin talks strategy during a pause in a game on April 21.
While Price wasn't a fan of the changes, the players who spoke seemed to enjoy them.
"I think it's actually a good thing," said junior pitcher Ben Krauth. "I know the coaches don't like it per se because they are out here a lot more but it gives the guys a nice little break compared to last year when you're going to class after practice and going to weight's and tutoring you have no breaks from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m."
Under the new practice schedule. Krauth said players have
"Having that three or four hour time period when you're not doing anything you can do your homework, get a bite to eat and take care of your business off the field," Krauth said. "That way you can come to practice ready to work."
Sophomore infielder Matt McLaughlin echoed that sentiment. "I think actually it's going to be a pretty positive outcome," he said. "We're able to get every single team player on the field at once."
No lingering effects
starts the 2015 season.
Last season's 23-32 record and exclusion from the Big 12 playoff were disappointments for Kansas baseball, but Price said the team is feeling no lingering effects other than motivation.
Though the team has only been together for a short time, there's a new energy as the team
"I'm excited about flushing last season," Price said. "We went
"Other than motivation, we have no lingering effects, I've already gotten a great vibe from this team," Price said. "We're all best friends. I love coming here every day."
through that rebuilding process and now we hope we're back to the next level where we can be competitive in our league."
Despite being 151 days away from the season opener against Arkansas Little-Rock, there is no lack of optimism as the Jayhawks begin preparation for the 2015 season.
Edited by Amber Vandegrift
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