News Summary

Oliver Torres returns to Pojoaque Valley High School as the new head baseball coach, marking his first head coaching role in baseball after a successful stint in softball. Known for his impressive coaching record at Santa Fe Indian School, Torres aims to revitalize the Pojoaque Elks baseball team, which has struggled in recent seasons. With a strong core of returning players and a focus on improving pitching performance, he looks to build a competitive team in District 2-4A. The community anticipates a positive transformation and stronger performance in the upcoming season.

Oliver Torres Returns to Pojoaque Valley High School as New Baseball Head Coach

In an exciting turn of events, the lovely city of Pojoaque has welcomed back one of its own! Oliver Torres has been named the new head coach of the Pojoaque Valley High School baseball team. This new role marks his very first head coaching position in baseball, and it seems like a match made in heaven!

A Journey Through Coaching

Oliver isn’t new to the coaching scene, as he previously led the softball team at Santa Fe Indian School for an impressive nine seasons. During that time, he racked up a spectacular record of 115 wins and just 56 losses. Talk about a winning streak! Under Torres’ guidance, the Lady Braves celebrated a District 2-3A championship title in 2023 and made it to the Class 3A championship games in consecutive years—2022 and 2023. Clearly, he has a gift for getting teams to perform their best.

Home Sweet Home

This transition back to Pojoaque feels like a homecoming for Torres. After all, this is where he received his first coaching job, so the familiarity is sure to serve him well. With 13 years of experience working at the Pojoaque Wellness Center, he has developed strong connections with local students and their families. This bond is bound to create a positive atmosphere, as he transitions from coaching softball to focusing on baseball.

Looking Ahead

Torres takes the helm from David Soveranez Jr., who resigned after three seasons, leaving behind a record of 27 wins and 53 losses. It’s clear that Torres is stepping into a role with big shoes to fill, but he appears determined to transform the Pojoaque Elks into serious competitors in District 2-4A. Last season was a tough one for the Elks, finishing with a record of 7-19. However, five of those losses came down to just one run, and they even had a nail-biter that stretched into 10 innings. This is where Torres sees opportunity.

Building on a Strong Foundation

The good news for Torres is that the Elks return their top four hitters. All four are rising seniors, which should give the team a strong core to build on. Among them is Ezekiel Atencio, who had an impressive .478 batting average last season. These players bring experience and skill that Torres can build upon as he sets his sights on improving the team’s performance.

Pitching Plans in Place

One area of focus for Torres will be the pitching staff. The team’s earned run average was a challenging 8.07 last season, and his plans include a more structured approach to pitching. This may be the secret sauce that helps turn the tide for the Elks. He is expected to begin meeting with players in the upcoming week, so the excitement is about to pick up!

Getting Started

To kick off the season right, Torres aims to start workouts soon for those who will not be participating in other fall sports. It’s an excellent opportunity for the team to bond and get into the groove of baseball again, all while building that community spirit that Pojoaque is known for.

In Closing

As the Pojoaque Valley High School baseball team enters this new chapter with Torres at the helm, there’s an air of optimism and enthusiasm. With his strong coaching background, history with the community, and commitment to developing the players, both fans and families are buzzing with excitement about what’s to come for the Elks. The journey of transformation is just beginning, and the entire region is ready to cheer them on!

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