Throughout the course of the 2012 season, MVNU junior pitcher Justin Brown will write a weekly blog about what is happening with the baseball team.

"The Mental Mile" (posted on April 10, 2012)

It's been a number of weeks since the Cougar baseball team returned to the Midwest. The sunny skies of Florida are long gone and now we are in the thick of the conference action. The weather has been unpredictable as most springs in Ohio are, but we have been busy every day as we pursue more and more victories. Currently, the Cougars have won seven straight games in Mid-Central College Conference play. Our first games back from spring break consisted of a four-game sweep of Huntington University. We followed that up with a huge task in a four-game series with the No. 10 ranked team in the NAIA, Spring Arbor University. We played Spring Arbor tough each game, but ended up only winning one out of four games. After that series, we swept Marian University in a four-game series and concluded a miniature Easter vacation trip in Indiana by taking the first two games of a series with Bethel College.

So, this is where we are. This is the point of the season that can be the most challenging. The starting line is somewhere out of sight behind us and the finish line is not yet on the horizon. So, we press on game by game knowing that each game could mean a berth to the conference tournament in May. This part of the season is something I like to call "The Mental Mile." At this point, it is as much mental as it is physical. By now, our bodies are in the full swing of the season and the challenge is to play every game as if it is the conference final. Mediocre teams put it on "cruise control" at this point in the season. Our goal is to not be mediocre. Mentally, we are challenging ourselves to take every game seriously, no matter who the opponent is. Coach Veale always reminds us that our objective is to play the game well. We aren't necessarily facing off against teams, we are facing off against ourselves executing the game well. So, as we challenge ourselves to press forward mentally and physically when the end is not in sight, we want to challenge you as well to do the same. Whether it's in the classroom or towards whatever goal you have set in your life. Press through past the mental mile. Let's journey together.

At this point I would like to introduce three more Cougar baseball players: Cory Brown, Dustin Neidert, and Jake Dickerson

Cory Brown

Cory transferred in to MVNU this fall and immediately fit in with the guys on the team. Cory is one of the hardest workers I know. About three weeks before the season opener, Cory tore a ligament in his elbow that required season-ending surgery. It was a painful blow for him and it has been amazing to see how he has handled such a tough event. This experience has visibly strengthened his faith and his dependence on God through this tough time. It has been awesome getting to know Cory this year and I consider him one of my good friends.

Dustin Neidert

Dustin is another guy that experienced a difficult set back early this spring. Dustin tore the exact same ligament as Cory and went through the same season-ending surgery. Dustin is a great teammate and friend. He is uplifting to the team in many ways, his quiet sense of humor lightens the mood in the dugout and he always brings a smile to our practices even after a tough set back. I am greatly looking forward to Dustin returning to the field next year.

Jake Dickerson

Jake is a redshirt freshman outfielder that has stepped up big this season for us. Last year, Jake did not travel with the team, and as I mentioned in one of the earlier blogs he has improved so much in a year. He now is one of the power threats in the middle of our lineup. Jake brings an imposing look into the batter's box. I mean this dude is huge! But he is also one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. I am thrilled to have Jake on this team and contributing to our group far beyond smashing homeruns and doubles in the gap.

Come out and support the Cougars this week as we have home games on Tuesday April, 10th as well as Saturday April 14th.

With you on the Journey,

JB

Matthew 11:28 

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