QUINCY, IL. (WGEM) -- A new era is underway for the Quincy High School baseball program.
former Western Illinois University assistant Brigham John has taken the reigns for the Blue Devils in hopes of elevating a squad that has had it's share of struggles over the past few years.
While mother nature has limited what QHS has been able to do outside on the diamond, John says the first step toward success is changing the mental approach to the game.
"At first it was a little frustrating just based on the overall mentality of the game that we lacked, but things have gotten a lot better," John told WGEM Sports.
"I think they're buying into our philosophies on what we're trying to do to get better."
"You know, I've been very impressed with coach John," senior Mason Fairley expressed.
"I think that he brings some new energy to the position. The environment is a little different, a little more upbeat.
There is still plenty up for grabs throughout the Blue Devils batting order, but there is no shortage of quality arms on the mound.
Pitching will be relied on heavily as the rest of the line-up shakes out early in the season.
"I think our pitching staff is a lot stronger than last year," said junior pitcher Andrew Eilers.
"I think that if our defense holds up behind us, which I have confidence that they will, that we can win a lot more games this year."
"Pitching is definitely our strength," added John.
"We have two or three starters than can go out there, and if they throw as well as they're capable of doing, can shut anyone down."
"Andrew Eilers, Mason Fairley, Regan Kurfman are three absolutely great pitchers to have."
Quincy High will open its season at O'Fallon this coming Saturday, before traveling to Springfield Southeast on Monday.
Brigham John takes over a Quincy High baseball program that is in search of elevated success in 2013.
