Wildcat baseball enters new coaching paradigm

For the first time in nearly 40 years, the West varsity baseball program is under new leadership. Succeeding the legendary Tony Gerharz, Head Coach Christopher Atwood brings fresh energy, a new perspective, and renewed possibilities that he hopes will push the Wildcats to compete at a high level. 

Taking over for a long-time coach can be challenging, but Atwood’s transition has been relatively smooth with minimal errors.

“The transition between coaches has been an easy, but stressful, one,” he said. “Since I was an assistant coach, it’s easy to connect with the players, yet Gerharz has significantly helped set up logistics for taking over as head coach.”

Change isn’t always easy to adjust to, especially for seniors who have only experienced one coaching program in their high school athletic career. But, for some players, like senior Jaxon Prill, the adjustment came naturally. 

“I believe our team has adjusted very well as shown with our current season record,” he said. “We already have more wins this season than last year.”

As a new season starts, the spirit of the team can often be quite shaky or even insecure. Yet, Prill believes that the teams recent showing against Neenah 

“I am very optimistic.” He said. “Starting off the season beating a team many people believe will win the conference is always a good sign for our future games.

Atwood’s arrival hasn’t only brought a change in strategy—it’s sparked a shift in culture. In America’s pastime, where tradition and routine are often treated as sacred, he’s encouraging players to challenge the idea of traditional baseball. His message in practice is clear.

“In practice, make sure repetition is focused and recognize mistakes,” he said. “Players who recognize errors can come up with a plan and can correct mistakes individually. Repetition with the mindset to fix and be better, nothing is routine, and nothing is automatic, with a strong mindset to be prepared for every play.”

This rhetoric has been woven into practices along with a focus on mental sharpness and the competitive nature of sports. 

“Pitchers face live-hitters to force competition between players,” Atwood said. “This teaches our pitchers to get ahead in the count, avoid free bases, and stay aggressive.” 

This mindset and strategy for the new team has been working thus far, with wins against Appleton North and Neenah, juggernauts of the FVA who both finished top three in 2024. 

Many players have noticed and embraced this sudden change of practice approach, led by senior Landon Ubrig. 

“The team culture is beginning to grow towards a more positive and cohesive feel,” he said. “We are more productive at practices and it has allowed us to be prepared and win some big games, which has only helped with the morale in the locker room.” 

This morale boost is felt by all but can be particularly beneficial for underclassmen new to the pressures of high level baseball. As a multiple varsity-level athlete, sophomore Cade Heiman understands well that expectations can easily damage the mental health of young athletes.

“Baseball is an individual game, mentally it can be tough when it doesn't go our way,” he said. “Coach Atwood supports us if we get in our heads.” 

Beyond all of the difficulties of expectation, the team has remained on the path towards short and long term goals. Atwood tries to stay focused on the future.

“I want to get involved with more youth camps, to get working with the children interested in baseball in the future and help develop the players at a young age, like many other prestigious programs,” he said.

This renewed sense of purpose and forward-thinking vision signals a bright new era for the Wildcats. Ubrig reflects on the season thus far, sharing the same hopeful feeling.

“I feel like we are building towards something special,” he said. “It is still early though and we have to finish the first half of the conference strong. If we continue on the path we are on, driven by hard work, we should give ourselves a great chance.”

by Conner LaCosse

Published April 28th, 2025

Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue VII