An Interview with CHS Baseball Head Coach Chris Mire

By Austin Myer

    The baseball complex at Central High is not a lot to look at right now.  Things should be looking much better by the first home game on March 15th.

    Facility improvements are underway for the baseball complex.  There is now concrete  in the spectator area with new bleachers being installed.  Improvements to the bull pen areas have been done,  and we are working on building a new batting cage.  Fresh maroon and gray paint has been applied everywhere.  Also, Coke and McDonald’s have agreed to sponsor a new 9 inning scoreboard coming this June. 

    The preseason schedule will be a challenge for the Wildcats this year.  Last year, getting into the playoffs and seeding depended on wins, losses and something called power points.  Power points are based on the strength of your opponent.  After making it to the quarter finals of the state tournament in 2010, Coach Mire loaded up the preseason with a bunch of power house opponents.  Destrehan, Fountain Bleau, Jesuit, Byrd, West Monroe and Rummel are all preseason foes of the Wildcats in 2011.  In week four  they travel to Lafayette to play in the Atchafalaya Challenge, a four day tournament that includes Acadiana High, Lafayette, Carencro, and St Thomas More.  The power point system was removed during this past off season, so playoff seeding is now based solely on a team’s win loss record.  Even though  power points no longer count, these challenging matchups in the preseason should give the Wildcats good experience against some of the stiffest competition out there.

    Central faces what is probably the toughest district in the state.  Reigning State Champions Catholic High and recent State Champions Zachary will be strong again this year.  Walker, Live Oak, and Denham Springs have consistently competitive teams.  Coach Mire says, “Every game in our district is a challenge. Our playoffs start in March when district begins.”

    When asked for his thoughts on Central’s upcoming season, Coach Mire said, “I think we have as much talent as  anybody.  It’s just a matter of picking up on where we left off last year.  Not beating ourselves, doing the little things right, and just continuing to get better will be key components to our success.  We didn’t achieve our goal last year, coming up 2 games short of a championship, so we have more to achieve.”  There is a talented group of 9 seniors that we will count on heavily.  Returning All- District selections Sam Doucet, Chet Myer and Jacob LeSage look to excel in their final year with the program.   Also expected to play a major roll on the mound is senior Kelby Blalock.  Senior Zack Edgens is expected to carry much of the load behind the plate this year.   Central also has 8 or 9 underclassmen including a very skilled group of sophomores that are ready to contribute and could see significant playing time.

    Coach says in his second season at the helm, this team has done the hard work in the summer and off season  to be able to compete at the highest level.  The wildcats take the field for their first game when they  take on Byrd at Walker High on February 24th at 7:30pm.  Make plans to attend some games this season!