Baseball season has just begun, with the Cowboys playing non conference games against Texas Lutheran University and Concordia University (Texas) this weekend in Austin, Texas. This brought the opportunity to reach out to some of the baseball team and talk to them about their goals this season, the team dynamic, and how Hardin-Simmons University students can support them.
Grant Mitzelfelt is a Senior Christian Studies Major at HSU from Round Rock, Texas. Mitzelfelt is also one of the pitchers for the Cowboys. Mitzelfelt speaks about how Hardin-Simmons gave him the opportunity to continue playing baseball, stating that he is extremely grateful for the past four years. His favorite part, however, has been “having the opportunity to battle with the guys we have”, growing as a team.
"The team dynamic is great,” Mitzelfelt said. “We have a lot of the same guys as last year and have only added more talent. We all mesh really well together and play for the guy next to us." He mentioned that the team was ranked 4th in the American Southwest Conference despite going to the conference championship last year. He emphasizes that HSU students can expect a highly motivated team striving for another shot at the ASC title. "Last year left a bad taste in our mouths, and we have worked all offseason to have the opportunity to return to the conference tournament. Our indoor facility has made it possible to get work in and get better every day, no matter the weather."
The Cowboy's first conference series is on February 23-24 against UT Dallas, and they have a home series against East Texas Baptist University on April 12-13. Both of these series are very important to the team. When asked how HSU students could support the team, Mitzelfelt pointed to attending the games. "When students are in the stands cheering us on, it gets our blood pumping and helps us to perform at our best."
I encourage you to attend these home games to support the school, the players, and the people who have poured time and effort into building a formidable team this season.