HILDALE, UT – The El Capitan High School Eagles from Colorado City, AZ, opened their baseball season with a decisive 23-1 victory over the Water Canyon High School Wildcats in a non-conference matchup played in Hildale, UT. However, despite the lopsided score, Water Canyon’s Coach Brian Donohew emphasized the team’s resilience and the importance of growth.
“We lost 23-1 to El Cap on Tuesday night,” Donohew acknowledged. “But the entire team stands out to me because of their resilience.”
Donohew, in his second year with the Wildcats and first as head coach, highlighted the challenges his team faced heading into the season opener. “We had 6 days of practice prior to the first game, which didn’t give us a whole lot of time to prepare,” he explained. “There are no excuses, but we have players who played their first ever baseball game on Tuesday. So, there is a lot of teaching, not just the fundamentals of the game, how to throw, catch, or hit but how to play the game the right way. To play the game with passion, determination, and respect.”
Despite the score, several Wildcats players achieved personal milestones. Caden Canepari made his first-ever start as pitcher, Riley Jones recorded his first hit and RBI with a first-inning double, Isiah Barlow made a nice catch in his first start in left field, and freshman Levi Steed had strong at-bats in his debut.
“All I’m really proud of these boys for giving their very best,” Donohew said.
With over 25 years of coaching experience, including professional scouting, Donohew understands the challenges of baseball. “I love teaching youth how to play and enjoy a game that is considered one of the hardest to do,” he said. “This game is about handling failure. Players will fail at this game 70% of the time. The awesome thing is that during a game, you’re afforded several opportunities to succeed.”
For Donohow, coaching at Water Canyon is about more than just wins and losses. “The thing about being at Water Canyon and coaching the baseball team is that it is about developing relationships first,” he emphasized. “The players need to know that you care about them as individuals first. Then, the coaching and the development take place.”
He praised his team’s work ethic and determination. “There is no quit in these boys. They all know the value of hard work, and that is a testament to their parents,” he said. “I always tell you we will work hard, play hard, and we’ll have fun doing it.”
Ultimately, Donohow hopes his players develop a love for the game. “Finally, and most importantly, I pray that they love the game,” he said. “It’s a great game, and for these players, I want them to enjoy and love every second they’re on the baseball field. Because after they’re done playing at Water Canyon, that will be the last time they lace up their cleats, put on a glove, or swing a bat. So, it’s a very precious time for them.”
