Greetings Mustangs, Families, and Fans!

I consider it a special privilege to work with the Mustangs. I love this program, and I am passionate to the very core about what we are doing. Those who have spent any time with me know that I am always up for a baseball conversation, and it will probably end with my talking too long and having to hurry to where I am going next.

I will miss being on the field with our junior high team and my sidekick, Coach John Whitt. But I am looking ahead with excitement, and you should, too. The JH Mustangs are in great hands, and I am certain that John will do a fantastic job.

For those of you who don’t know or remember, next year’s varsity staff will reunite Keith Coneby, Vince Vario, and me. The three of us worked together to coach our junior high team to a 17-6 record and second place in the Greater Houston Middle School Conference two years ago. Both of these men are great friends, and they have helped me continue to get better as a baseball coach and a man. I am excited to be working with them.

So, what can we expect in the upcoming season? Really, I want to challenge your thinking a bit and rephrase my own question: What can we believe in the upcoming season? It’s interesting, isn’t it? When we ask what we can believe, as opposed to what we can expect (or maybe demand), then the possibilities seem to be much more.

That’s because they are.

Expectations or demands tend to drag down, but belief builds and lifts up.

It is certainly true that belief, to make a difference, needs to be grounded in a solid foundation. As Christians, our foundation is Christ. Belief in Christ’s death on the cross for our sins leads to abundant life now and eternal life in heaven.

The Mustangs are building upon a solid foundation, as well. So, we can look for our belief to be effectual.

Thus, I believe we can … and will … improve this season. It frankly doesn’t take much for me to believe this. I know this will happen. I have seen our players. They are growing and maturing. They want to get better, and they will. We are going to challenge them to build on a solid fundamental foundation this fall, and then ride that momentum into the spring. If they accept this challenge, they will get better. Really, I don’t believe this; I know it. We have barely scratched the surface.

I believe they can go to places they have never been before. I believe we are going to see them really do some exciting things on the field this season. I am even more excited to see how that success is going to spill over into their lives off the baseball field. Watch our young men grow.

I believe in our coaching staff and our players.

What about me? I do believe in myself, too. I am studying, working hard, and improving every day. If you don’t like what you see in me this week, then check back the next.

But I know I need prayer. Our whole team does. Please pray for this program. Pray for our board, our coaches, and our families. Pray that we will pursue excellence with a passion, both on the field and off.

I believe that we will. I can’t wait to get started.

See you on the field,

Rick Rutledge
High School Head Coach