Under new coach Luis Bustos, there is a simple plan for the Española Valley baseball team: create a new environment. Anything after that will simply take care of itself.
“I think our expectation this year is to build a positive atmosphere for the team and for the kids,” Bustos said. “I think the thing is, we have to have an approach of being positive.”
That means seeking upbeat moves forward, whether those steps are incrementally small or exceptionally large.
“We are encouraging the athletes to strive for improvement every single day,” he said. “My job is to recognize the potential in every player and help bring it out of them to help them reach their goals both on the field and in life.”
The Sundevils are coming off a couple of rough seasons during which they won a combined seven games. They are already more than halfway to that total this season and have won as many District 2-4A games this season as Española has won the past two seasons combined.
So the moves forward are already happening, Bustos said.
And what’s particularly encouraging is the full team is starting to take form as the Sundevil basketball players are rounding into baseball shape after the long hoops postseason run.
“This weekend is the first time we’ve really had the whole team together,” he said. “District is what counts in high school baseball so we’re trying to improve and get some district wins and hopefully end up making the state tournament.”
What’s encouraging is Española has some improving bats and the staff looks like it’s rounding into a viable weapon.
“I think that we have some really good hitters,” Bustos said. “I think we hit the ball well and I think we have some good pitching. We’re a tough, gritty team.”
Senior pitcher/first baseman Isaiah Aguino had his first career bomb recently, as did his buddy Aaron Quintana. They are sparking the bats.
“We’re not as bad as previous years,” Aguino said. “We’re showing some improvement. That’s what we’re looking forward to with our new head coach coming in. The overall vibe of the team is better. We’re pushing toward positivity and not knocking each other down.”
The large number of returning players gave the team reason for optimism, he said.
“My thoughts coming in, I thought we were going to be actually really good,” Aguino said. “Last year, we didn’t win much in districts, but this year, I think we have a chance to compete. Our sophomores are playing a pretty big role in our team. Most of them play basketball so now that we’ve got them back, we’re doing pretty good.”
It’s sophomores like Quintana who are making an impact and he and Aguino went out to celebrate their home runs against Santa Fe Indian School.
“I always go up there pretty happy to hit and ready to hit and against Santa Fe Indian School, it was very exciting,” Aguino said. “It’s something I’ll never forget. It was really cool. We actually went out to eat to celebrate the next day at Olive Garden.”
Seniors Tyller Lomayma, who pitches, catches and plays shortstop, as well as infielder Daniel Garcia, are leaders. Jayden Archuleta is another impactful sophomore who pitches and plays middle infield.
“I really see them coming excited and happy to play together,” Bustos said. “We have a goal everyday, get 1% better each day and we hold each other accountable to that. We have a little saying that goes, ‘You can’t be great without the greatness of others.’ I think that’s something that we really believe in. It takes all of us. It’s been good. It’s been fun. It’s been exciting. We’re putting all the pieces together. We’re ready to make a run in the district and see what we can do.”