Austin Szemacs promoted to head coach

SOLON, OH- Austin Szemacs has officially taken over as the Bobcats head baseball coach and he is excited for the opportunity with the fall season already here and spring just four months away.  

A graduate of Malone University, Szemacs brings with him a vast amount of baseball leadership, experience, and knowledge. 

"Right after I graduated from Malone, I got into coaching." he said. "I coached a youth summer ball team, and it wasn't too long after that until I was here. Out of college, I was giving lessons doing the summer ball youth thing for a couple years, I got a new position for the summer where I work out of a facility, and I help collegiate athletes all over the country and help them on a daily basis." 

Being an assistant last season helped, and Szemacs said he adapted well to the College and enjoys being part of Bryant & Stratton and all they have to offer. 

"I am super comfortable with the program here." he explained. "I am familiar with the admissions and financial aid processes. It was a seamless transition, and I don't feel like I do anything too different on a day-to-day basis. As the new head coach everything now comes to me, but outside of that everything has been pretty much the same." 

Szemacs acknowledges the administrative side as being a learning curve. "We changed facilities this year, that was a challenge, organizing transportation, and scheduling all while recruiting guys." 

Szemacs is excited about the opportunity, and describes his coaching style as relaxed, however he makes sure standards are met. He loves having a great time with his players over the course of the season. He goes on to explain one of the strengths of the team last season was the comradery with the players and does not expect things to be different this season. 

"The strength of the team was how well everyone liked each other. All the players had a good time together. That won't doesn't change this year. The guys are still forming relationships since we are just a few weeks in, but it is cool to see those things develop and this year. I have seen more guys on campus than ever, so it is nice to see that grow. I'm impressed by the level of discipline the players have.  They pay attention to the details,and they don't like getting little things wrong" he noted. 

Szemacs head coaching career is now in full swing. He's grateful for the support of former Cats baseball coaches Jake Plata and Eric Lahetta, and says he still talks to them today. 

The Cats play at Solon Community Park Saturday, September 30 with two seven inning games starting at 2 p.m.