Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy adds baseball athletics program

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- How do you build a sports legacy? By instilling the right work ethic and skills development, according to Joe Witcraft, the new baseball coach at Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy. Monday, February 17, LPCA will begin offering baseball to their student athletes. Current athletic opportunities consist of football, basketball, track & field, and cheerleading. Matt Tarbutton, Athletic Director, said Joe Witcraft will lead the Legacy baseball team. Witcraft has over five years of experience coaching high school baseball in Ohio, and said he's looking forward to stepping into the head coaching position and building a new program.

”Discipline and perseverance are two major components for success on and off the field,” said Witcraft. “We want our guys to be successful athletes as well as productive members of the community. The building of the Legacy baseball program begins now”.

Witcraft will contribute to Legacy’s baseball program with the experience he gained as both a player and a coach for over 43 years. His playing history started at an early age through youth leagues, 4-year letterman in high school, junior college player under scholarship, professional instructional league, spring training replacement player, and continuously playing and coaching with semi-pro and amateur baseball players/teams.

“Baseball has been very, very, good to me," said Witcraft. “I have had doors opened because of baseball that I may never have seen without it. A favorite baseball memory was serving as an actor and a player in the 1991 NBC Sunday Night Movie, The Babe Ruth Story.”

Witcraft acknowledged that it took a lot of self-motivation and determination.

“My baseball skills weren’t inherited,” said Witcraft. “I worked hard to develop them. I couldn’t wait to get home from school to get in the backyard and practice. Practice took the form of throwing a rubber coated baseball against a brick wall, for hours a day working on my accuracy, velocity, and fielding. I mimicked my favorite players J. Bench, B. Robinson, W. Boggs, & N. Ryan.”

Witcraft is looking forward to developing the new baseball team, but expects the players to be motivated and self-directed.

“Players who are self-motivated and do more than the minimum, will succeed in sports and life,” said Witcraft. “Everyone is expected to go to team practices and games. It’s those players who go over and above on their own time, that make the difference.”

Many players in larger schools get minimum play time if any. Witcraft stresses that play time on the field is essential for skills and personal development. He intends to ensure that happens.

“I am excited and blessed with this opportunity to continue to share my knowledge and experience. Bring pride and respect to the LPCA Lions.”

Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy is a private coed school located in the northwest corner of The Woodlands. The Christian affiliated non-denominational, college preparatory serves 350 students in grades PK-12. Coach Witcraft is optimistic that it will be a successful one.

“Terrific first practice. 100% attendance,” said Witcraft. “Energy and enthusiasm high for our first season.”

Sounds like they’re on their way to building a great baseball legacy.