PHOTOS BY CRISSY LEJEUNE
When it comes to sports , the only thing that may feel better than winning a state title is winning two state titles — back-to-back . Just ask Patrick Zehnder , head coach of Bethel Park High School ’ s boys varsity baseball team . For the second straight year , Zehnder and his team of coaches and players have proven victorious as the PIAA Class 5A baseball champions .
So , what did it take to win ? Zehnder is quick to point out that the players have all known each other for a long time and played together since they were kids .
“ We have such an amazing youth program here in Bethel Park ,” he says . “ They probably go unrecognized too often , but the kids are introduced to the fundamentals of baseball by some very talented and dedicated coaches and volunteers at an early age . They ’ re so lucky to have that opportunity .”
Zehnder truly appreciates and applauds the youth program because he knows it ’ s one of the best ways to help young children hone their new skills . And he is completely impressed by the leadership ability and loyalty he sees in the players coming out of that program , especially once they get to high school .
“ I must hand it to the players , truly . From the beginning , those who were in leadership roles on the team took their positions seriously and made an impact ,” Zehnder explains . “ They were consistent in the way they talked to their teammates and supported each other , even when things weren ’ t going well .”
That “ not going well ” part happened mid-season when the Bethel Park Hawks played their nearby rivals , the Peters Township Indians , in back-to-back games at each school ’ s respective field .
“ Baseball can sometimes feel like a game of who fails the least ,” says Zehnder . “ When we played Peters Township , we knew we had a tough team on our hands . We wanted to beat them so badly , and in the first game it looked like we might pull it off , but we gave it up in the end . The next day we played them on our field , and they beat us there , too . It was definitely the low point of our season , but again , our senior team captains David Kessler and Bo Conrad , and junior team captain Evan Holewinski , pulled everyone together and reminded their teammates they have what it takes to win .”
After those losses , the team refocused on doing things right , even in practice . “ There was a sense of urgency ,” Zehnder recalls .
“ They wanted to win , so they concentrated on being consistent and transparent , especially in practice .”
When the playoffs came around , they knew they had a chance . After beating Gateway , 6-5 , and South Fayette , 3-2 , they lost to West Allegheny , 3-0 , but qualified for the playoffs because of the win over South Fayette . Their final game of the championship was against Selinsgrove , which they won 5-0 .
“ After the win , there was a feeling of ‘ This is what we were supposed to do ,’” says Zehnder . “ We got the last laugh , but it was a dog fight to get there . We were all thrilled and so satisfied with our effort .”
Will Sokira , # 19 , a pitcher who graduated this year , says the cohesiveness of the team is what gave them the edge . “ Everyone was rooting for one another to do well , no matter what responsibility we had on the team ,” he explains . “ We accepted our roles and thrived in them .”
David Kessler , # 3 , who played shortstop and will be attending IUP in the fall , had his own thoughts on the win and his teammates : “ I wouldn ’ t want to be a part of any other high school baseball program . I have learned so much as a player and as a person with these guys . I will have endless memories of these two championship wins , including all the fun times and stressful ‘ down-to-the-wire ’ games . My time with the Bethel Park baseball team will forever be a highlight in my life .”
And Coach Zehnder isn ’ t going to let the opportunity pass by for him to provide a shout-out to a few others , too .
He adds , “ It can ’ t go unsaid that Cody Geddes hitting a home run in the 4th inning , pitcher Evan Holewinski with overall play , and Ben Hudson and Ray Altmeyer were all big producers during the championship game . But we also want to thank the Bethel Park community for their support . We knew there were people in the stands cheering for us and they had no kids or grandkids playing . Just seeing them at the games meant a lot to us and we really thank them .”
Bethel Park High School boys varsity baseball ended the 2021-2022 regular season 22-4 , with conference play at 8-2 . n
BETHEL PARK ❘ FALL 2022 23