When Roger Culbertson stepped down as the baseball coach at Tecumseh, the Arrows needed to find a quality replacement for the longtime successful coach. They didn’t have to go far.

Chad Hale, who coaches the Arrows in the past, returns for another stint as Tecumseh’s head coach, and he is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

“Roger stepped down and will be volunteering when he can with the program,” Hale said, stating that Culbertson will be spending a lot of time watching his kids Taylor (Wright State) and Chase (Ohio Wesleyan) who are involved with college sports. “He will still be a part of things, then it came down to what I wanted to do.”

“I have two sons in the program so I really wanted to help provide a stable program for everyone. Tecumseh is a big part of who I am.”

Hale is inheriting a team what will be aiming to compete for a league title in the tough Central Buckeye Conference, and he knows that the challenge will be there for his team to try to deliver.

“I sat down with the seniors and came up with some goals, since it’s a fresh start for everyone” he said. “We want to win the CBC title and we haven’t been in the race for a few years. Last year was a rough year, but we have some good guys back and if we play to our potential, we can compete for a title.”

“We also want to continue to play the game the way it’s supposed to be played, and compete every inning,” he added. “We want to represent the school and community as a class act on and off the field. The main reason to play this sport is to have fun.”

The leadership all begins with the seniors, and there are five contending for playing time this year.

Four of the seniors have been in the program for all four years, including one of the top pitchers Jack Dague.

“I expect him to pitch a lot of innings,” Hale said. “He has good stuff and a nice fastball.” He will also play shortstop when not on the mound, and led the team batting .373 last season.

Anthony Steele also returns behind the plate, and has a strong arm according to the Arrows coach.

“He threw several runners out last year,” Hale said, stating he will also see time late in the game on the mound.

Another senior is pitcher Logan Donovan, who will also play first base. He can also catch when Steele pitches.

Caleb Ricks returns at second base, and on the mound, while another senior Ryan Kilgore has been working hard according to Hale and hopes to give them some innings on the mound this year.

“Those five seniors are looked upon as our leaders,” Hale said. “They know what we expect and will lead the underclassmen.”

Hunter Henlsey will lead the junior class, as he returns as one of the top pitchers and the second leading hitter last year.

“He is a third-year varsity kid and can also play third base,” Hale said. “He is a strong kid with power and had a good summer. He has potential to play Division One college baseball because he is so strong.”

Also returning is junior Reid Hale, one of coach Hale’s sons on the roster. Hale will be on the mound and will also see a lot of time in the outfield. According to coach Hale, Reid is very versatile and is a lot stronger this year.

Other juniors looking to contribute are Evan Maxwell, Kyle McDonald and Logan Stryker.

Sophomores on the roster are Keaton Mohler and Nick Yeary while two freshman also landed a spot on the squad in Blais Hale and Davey Berner.

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