The wait is just about over. After having their last season come to a screeching halt in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coyote Baseball team is preparing to once again take the field. This season according to CCCAA modificaitons will be a reduced schedule, and follow COVID-19 protocol. Cerro Coso Baseball is one of a handful of teams across that state that have opted-in to participate. Due the few number of teams in the region that have chosen to play, the Coyotes will be forced to travel fruequently and by the end of May, no doubt be road weary playing 20 of the 28 games away from the Dawg Yard.
Head Coach, Justus Scott has been persistent yet patient since last spring and held the program together in preparation for this season. The Coyotes open up with a scrimmage contest on 3/27/21 at Taft College and again on 4/3/21 at Antelope Valley College. The modified season is set to open up for the Coyotes on April 10 as they play host to Taft College and the 28 game season will run through the end of May. At this time, spectators are not allowed to attend.
Guest correspondant and returning outfielder, Michael Doerr was able to catch up with Coach Scott for a Q&A about what brought him to coaching:
What made you realize or what motivated you in wanting to become a coach of college athletics?
- I always knew I wanted to coach baseball so my path in my career to date has led me to Cerro Coso CC. It is the best and most fun level to coach at.
What highlights or memorable moments from your career as a player do you cherish the most?
- I'm too old to remember any individual accomplishments but I played for a couple very good teams. My Freshman year at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, we were one game short of going to the National Junior College National Tournament. My Junior year at the University of Memphis, we won our conference tournament and made a Regional appearance.
How has COVID changed or maybe influenced your approach to coaching this year, as opposed to years of previous seasons?
- Our start date for the Spring 2021 season is pushed back to April 10th instead of the last weekend of January. This gives our program plenty of time to get ready, not such a rush to get everything in before the Fall semester ends.