Teaching goes beyond the classroom and onto the field
WATKINSVILLE, Ga. — Often, coaches are also teachers, which doubles both their commitment and dedication. At Oconee County High School, that commitment and dedication in the classroom and on the field is shown in Tom Gooch, the Warriors baseball coach.
Coach Gooch has been teaching and coaching for 22 years. From lessons in geography, U.S. History, and Law, to lessons in leadership and teamwork, he is a positive leader on and off the baseball diamond. Coach Gooch has been involved in America’s pastime since he was young, playing high school baseball at Cartersville High School and college ball at LaGrange College.
Becoming a coach has brought with it some of the best memories in high school baseball- winning the regional championship and going to the playoffs. Though the 2010 team’s season was memorable by making the Final Four in the playoffs, Gooch said his proudest coaching moment “was taking over the 2015 team, five games into the season for the head coach, and leading them to the Region Championship and the Elite 8.”
Success in sports, as in life, comes from learning lessons along the way. When asked, the coach said one of the biggest lessons he has learned from his years on the field is, “that there is no substitute for hard work, dedication, and positivity and these characteristics will greatly influence the young men who play for you and set the right example.”
That positivity and hard work have driven the team in the offseason as they prepared for the year by gaining strength, increasing speed, and bettering their baseball skills. Coach Gooch is looking forward to a successful 2022 season. He has many players returning from last season such as All-State players TL Saxon, Sam Carter, and Bank Arnold. With their leadership examples, they are hoping to take the team to another regional championship and a good run in the playoffs.
A strong and lasting legacy is something all coaches hope to leave behind. The one that Coach Gooch hopes for is “just to be known, not as the best baseball coach, but a good leader of young men, who gained valuable life lessons while playing for me.” With his dedication and the confidence, encouragement, and initiative he instills in his players, Tom Gooch will be remembered as one of the greats long after he retires. Until then, we will continue supporting and cheering him on as he guides the Oconee County High School Warrior baseball team through another great season.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
