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Woods Cross • Following one of the most successful seasons in program history last year, Woods Cross was entitled to high expectations heading into this season.
Though the Wildcats did lose several key contributors, they returned most of the lineup which accounted for 25 wins and a region title, including Brandon Wagstaff, who was named to the All-Tribune team as an underclassman, and Jordan Lewis, the team's leader on the mound.
Adding to the preseason hype was that the opening game of the year was against No. 1-ranked Salem Hills. It was an opportunity for the then third-ranked Wildcats to prove last season was more than a fluke.
Yeah, about that …
The Skyhawks blasted the 'Cats, 7-2, and, suddenly, a season with such lofty ambitions was off to a rocky start.
"We didn't hit the ball really well," said Wagstaff, who leads the team with 11 doubles this season. "I wouldn't say [we were] humbled, because we're not really the type to get up and think we're the best, but obviously we knew after that game we had a lot of stuff to work on."
Coach Trevor Amicone understood the task at hand. He needed to convey to his high school athletes, who often are prisoners of the moment, that they needed to — as cliché as it sounds — respect the approach and focus on improving toward May.
"It's impossible, really, to keep kids from expectations and from Twitter and all those things, so you have to address them," Amicone said. "You have to be aware of them and you have to be able to manage them."
More losses followed. Woods Cross started the season 5-5, including losing three out of four games on a trip to California.
However, the team took consolation in knowing that win-loss records don't always tell the full story. Programs enjoying more wins than not can actually be camouflaging weaknesses, while programs with unflattering records can be learning what it takes to win. Defending Class 4A champion Spanish Fork is a perfect example. The Dons limped out to 1-6 record because of the quality of competition they faced early on, but it prepared them for their postseason run.
"Baseball is such a sport of variables. Really your whole goal is to put yourself in position to win," Amicone said. "I don't believe in luck. I believe you make your own breaks, but you do need some things to go your way."
Woods Cross is banking on the same the outcome as Spanish Fork. It competed with high-caliber programs out of state, and has found out confidence doesn't require wins.
"We played really good down there. I learned that we were really tough," said Alex Johnson. "We played Villa Park, and they murdered us, but we fought back in the last inning. We're tough."
The Golden State provided more than increased confidence on the diamond, too. It bonded the team. From watching a Dodgers-Angels game, to standing in three-hour-long lines at Disneyland and competing in "fierce" volleyball games on the beach, already existing friendships deepened in value.
"We try to stay together as a team as much as we can," Amicone said. "We make that trip as much about building the team as we do about playing baseball. The intangibles and the family aspect is such a big deal that is overlooked so much in baseball."
The Wildcats returned to Utah invigorated. With their swag rediscovered, they resembled the team most of the state anticipated seeing this season.
Deep pitching, strong defense and an order capable 1 through 9, Woods Cross has fired at full speed, sweeping Highland, Box Elder and East. In those nine consecutive wins, the Wildcats have outscored their opponents 134-12.
"We changed a lot," Lewis said. "Coach really challenged us to make us tougher, and I think we've responded really well."
Woods Cross (14-5) is back into the Class 4A power rankings, checking in at No. 5, but still looking up to top-ranked Salem Hills.
Many believe the newly inspired Wildcats can challenge for a state championship, something they've never done in school history, but Amicone said "championship" is a "dirty word" around the campus. As he explains, the process preaches that in order to fulfill future expectations, one must forget they exist in the present.
"The biggest way to temper expectations is to get them to focus on what's right in front of them," Amicone said.
So when prompted with the question of ending the championship drought this season, Wagstaff didn't deviate from the approach.
"I think if we keep doing our thing, I mean, any year could be your year, but I think we just need to focus on right now," Wagstaff said. "That will come later."
Twitter: @trevorphibbs —
Woods Cross' cross roads
• Wildcats returned most of the roster that won 25 games a year ago and captured a region title.
• Started the season ranked third in 4A, but dropped the opener 7-2 to No. 1 Salem Hills.
• The team lost three of four games on a California road trip and struggled to a 5-5 start.
• In its current nine-game winning streak, the Wildcats have outscored their opponents by a combined 134-12.