LA MIRADA, Calif. --- The way the newcomers to Biola Baseball have embraced and embodied the culture of the program has certainly been impressive, all the more so in light of the way instruction and training have changed to adhere with safety protocols. 

The Eagles welcomed 19 new additions to a roster that remains largely intact from last season's rise to a top-10 ranking in the NCAA DII national poll. But the newcomers have done the exact opposite of rocking the boat or slowing the program's momentum toward its first NCAA postseason berth. If anything, the influx of athleticism from this group, and the determined drive of the veteran transfers joining the Eagles, have cemented the expectations and accountability of a team that expects to win. 

"I think the newcomers have impacted the team dynamic in a positive way. Our coaching staff did a great job in recruiting student-athletes that fit the culture of our baseball program and Biola University," said Head Coach Jeff Calhoon. "There has been really good energy with this group overall, returners and newcomers. But the new faces have been exciting to have on campus daily."

If there's a particular place where the newcomers' energy and motivation first made its appearance, that location would definitely be the outdoor "garage" area that allows student-athletes to weight train in adherence to safety protocols. Under the supervision of Director of Sports Performance, Frank Ramirez, Biola Athletics has moved several squat racks and additional equipment to the first level of the parking structure next to the baseball field to maximize air flow and space for distancing. 

And the baseball program embraced that garage as a temporary home of sorts while they waited for a return to more customary baseball activities. The structure's extra space allowed more members of the team to workout together and push each other to get better. Moreover, the concrete environment around the equipment actually fit right in with the distinct way the program develops grit at the beginning of the year. 

Since Head Coach Jeff Calhoon took charge of the program, every member of the baseball team wears a blank white shirt and black shorts during the first few weeks of training to acknowledge the need for no-nonsense hard work and to refuse entitlement from past success or reputation. The team has received its apparel in the time since. But that initial period of hard work with no nonsense had a beneficial effect, according to transfer Jared Kapturasky.

"I appreciate how, no matter what our personal opinions about the subject are, we [as a team] have chosen to discipline ourselves enough to do whatever it takes to get on the field again. I think it shows how much our sport means to our lives and how we can come together to make it happen," said Kapturasky. "It was no doubt a large adjustment. But as I mentioned, if this is what we need to do to be able to compete in the future, it isn't too bad. I'm sure there is someone out there that would trade places with any of us right now to be able to play, so I will not take that granted."

Kapturasky, in his own way, exemplifies the way the newcomers as a group are taking full ownership of their Biola experience. The right-hander came to La Mirada with a completed bachelor's degree in exercise science and has supported Ramirez and the rest of the athletic teams by leading weight training sessions in the garage for several programs.

All that hard work from the entire program has set a really favorable tone as the team transitions to position-specific work and simulated games in Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Action Plan. Although the level of athleticism has increased with this group of newcomers, this is a team that is eager to prove its resolve through challenges and embrace the grind. It's a course in developing a champion's mindset for Biola Baseball, not only compiling a roster with playoff potential. 

"They seem to be doing well. Obviously, this is an unprecedented time to be a college student let alone a student-athlete. But they have embraced the situation and are improving on the field and doing well in the classroom, all while staying safe as our number one priority," said Calhoon. "I am proud of how they have done so far this semester."
 
The Biola Boys also made sure to introduce some fun and a competitive edge to things when they could. They spent several Saturdays in November playing simulated games that added an additional scoring system, awarding points for execution in particular aspects like throwing first-pitch strikes and hitting "stingers" (balls hit on the screws, even if directly to a fielder). 
 
The "gamification" of practices had led to some weird football-looking scores on the newly renovated Eagles Diamond scoreboard. The final intersquad day of the semester had a score of 26-to-12 after two innings. But it has also really lightened the mood and created some fun moments, some of which were recently captured on a "Mic'd Up" video by Biola Athletics Intern, Kelly Kobayashi.   
It would take too long to list all the promising performances the newcomers turned in during the intersquads particularly. All the transfers have just as dependable as they were expected to be and have made the roster really deep at basically every position. But Coach Calhoon also ensured to express how pleased he was with the way the true freshmen were adjusting to their collegiate program. 
 
Calhoon started by saying the freshmen catchers, Chance Campbell and Rhett Stein, and primary outfielders Brenden Bell and Jonathan Smith have done well with the adjustments they've made over the fall and project to be solid and dynamic impact players for the program going forward. Riley Mitchell is literally playing all over the field as expected and only extends the promise that's present in the Eagles Diamond infield. 
 
"This infield position group is one we are still very excited about. All three guys, Evan, Andrew, and Anthony are pushing to play this year and bring a physicality to our program we wanted to add." said Calhoon. "Finally, Jake Anderson has shown promise on the mound and reminds our staff a lot of our former captain Joey Leavitt in his pitchability and stuff. Anthony Ortiz has shown flashes of being the solid two-way player we believe he will become on the mound as well.
 
"Overall, I am excited to watch these young men continue to develop in the weight room, on the field, and more importantly as great young men in our program."
 
Biola Baseball will conclude fall training this coming week and intends to return to competition in March.