Various spring sports, like Boys JV Baseball and Boys Varsity Soccer have abnormally large rosters this coming season. In recognition of the immense roster numbers, the teams will have to change some of their preferred tactics.
JV Baseball has a diverse pool of talent at their disposal, which has caused such a peak in the numbers. With only nine players on a field at once, things can easily get hectic.
“It’s hard because we get less reps and it gets more complicated to bond with whole team,” said sophomore Josh Baines.
It takes a long time for a large roster to build chemistry and become a single, cohesive unit. In many circumstances even teams with regular sizes have to overcome similar obstacles to succeed.
“I’m used to a smaller soccer team so it will definitely take more time to get used to it,” said junior Begad Elharazi.
When it comes to game time for both teams, coaches are faced with the challenge to decide who is playing. It’s a draw on who starts and who gets playing time. With this year’s staggering roster numbers, athletes are constantly vying for playing time.
“Players will need to earn their minutes and will ness to demonstrate in training that they deserve them as there are plenty of other student-athletes looking to get minutes as well,” said Boys Soccer coach, Josh Harris.
While having a large roster poses a plethora of issues, there is an abundance of positives that should be taken into consideration. A high school sports season unpredictable, injuries could happen within the blink of an eye. More roster spots let teams substitute more players in.
“Potential athletes may become injured, but with a very full roster there will be multiple sub-ins,” said Baseball assistant coach Erik Foss.
Diversity is a major benefit that results from bringing more players in. More players allow coaches to apply new strategies and also promotes healthy competition within the team.
“With a larger roster this year we are hopeful it will give us more options and more flexibility in attempting to put players in positions they will be successful, which, ultimately, should help the team be successful,” said Harris.
Regardless of the roster sizes, each lineup is a revolving door in which coaches are keeping a watchful eye of each and every player. Every athlete has the opportunity to showcase their abilities and get a chance to impress the coaches.
“Our primary goal is to give every athlete a chance to show what they got,” said Foss.