By Matt Browning

Mike Garretson, the head baseball coach at Southeast of Saline, was chosen as the Salina Regional Coach of the Month for May. The Trojans have been one of the top teams in Class 3A this season.

Garretson has been the head baseball coach at Southeast of Saline since 2003 and before that was the head softball coach for the Trojans from 1996 to 2002.

“That’s a lot of players that have been tremendous to work with and a lot of assistant coaches who have worked very hard to help out young guys, share their knowledge and put in hours of effort,” Garretson said.

Garretson said the pipeline of talent for Southeast of Saline is due to how each of his players enjoys playing the game of baseball.

“I have tons of memories from funny things that happen on the practice field or in the dugout to games that were exciting,” Garretson said. “We’ve just been fortunate to have lots of kids who love to play ball together and it’s been a joy to practice with them and go compete against other teams.”

Trying to enjoy the moment and soak up the time playing for Southeast of Saline is what Garretson preaches to his teams.

“Although the wording may change over the years, the basic message has always been to hustle, be dependable, and enjoy this time, the game, your peers – even the ups and downs,” Garretson said.

The Trojans were expected to be a solid team this season and they have not disappointed, thanks to Evan Nickleson, Bryce Cooper, Jayton Mathis, Clayton Meier and Hart Nurnberg.

“They are dependable and give it their all,” Garretson said. “They are a joy to be on the field with each day.”