Blue Demons See Results from Off Season Work

CHRISTIANSBURG (WSLS 10 SPORTS) -

They say the hardest part about being at the top is staying at the top. Christiansburg is proving that it can be done in the regular season. In just his second year as coach, Dale Nelson has positioned his team to make a splash in the postseason.

"We've been pretty consistent throughout the year and you have to be consistent playing in the River Ridge and Conference 32. If you're not ready to play, any given team can beat you on any given day," said Nelson.

"We got great leaders and we roll off of that. We get one man rolling then the whole team starts hitting. It's contagious," said second baseman Nick Carroll.

After an impressive 17-3 regular season the Blue Demons are looking to carry that momentum into post season play. Their key to success has been something they did in the off season.

What looked like a ROTC class in the summer was actually members of the baseball team. They took strength and conditioning to a new level by training with the National Guard.

"We've stayed strong throughout so we've built that base in the off season and now we're really starting to see that payoff later in the season," said center fielder Ashton King.

"It was a great experience for everybody. It's been really fun to see because it's been seniors all the way down to our middle school program. We've had 30-40 kids in the off season fall and winter and really buy into the importance of being in shape for the spring season," said Nelson.

The Blue Demons are hoping their training will give them the edge this time around after losing in the regional semifinals last season.

"Seeing the results last year I think we've all came closer together as friends and I love our coaching staff," said first baseman Trenton Harding.

Second baseman Nick Carroll added, "Our saying this whole year has been we haven't gone this far to get this far."

Christiansburg will begin conference play on Wednesday.


About the Author:

Eric is no stranger to the Roanoke Valley. He is a Roanoke native and proud graduate of William Fleming High School.