Brian Hiscox stabilized the Berkshire Athletic Department when he took over four years ago. The school had four ADs in four years before Hiscox, a 2006 Berkshire graduate, came here to stay.
But he’s in a new place as the new head varsity baseball coach. His first season ends an eight-year stretch of consistency from Steve Smetana, who stepped down last month because his job now requires more travel.
Yet Hiscox is one of the most accomplished Berkshire baseball players in school history, a former four-year starter who played the corner infield positions known for his Bambino-like power from the right side of the plate.
“Being a part of this program growing up was exciting,” said Hiscox, whose 2006 Berkshire team his senior year was one game away from the state championships in Columbus. “I was a bat boy in eighth grade for these guys. It’s always something I looked to, even away at college or when I was living in Indianapolis.”
Hiscox senior year the Badgers beat Woodridge in the regional semi-finals before losing to Youngstown-Ursuline, the eventual state runners up.
Hiscox was an All-Ohio selection his junior and senior seasons before becoming an All-American at Otterbein University. He set the Cardinals home run record at the end of his junior, and, incredibly, tied an NCAA record when he hit eight home runs in eight consecutive games.
During Monday’s first practice of the season, the Badgers were outside, “which was amazing,” the new coach said.
“We haven’t had this kind of weather in February that I can remember,” he said. “Even in college, usually your first time outside was your first game when you went south. That was a great thing for our guys, and it sets a good tone. Nobody likes practicing baseball inside.”
Steve Smetana will remain as a volunteer coach for the times he is town to potentially help with the Badgers’ home diamond, John W. Gander Field. Smetana, who does athletic fields and turf for a living, dedicated and donated a lot of time and energy into making Gander Field a gem.
“Our kids play on a field that schools our size don’t have,” Hiscox said. “Steve that did almost entirely out of the goodness of his heart.”
Hiscox said his baseball philosophy is slightly different, and he will use his experience to lead the program. It is the first time he has coached high school baseball.
Smetana also did not lose to Cardinal during his eight years as head coach, and Hiscox laughed a bit when faced with that fact.
“Those are some big shoes to fill, and we know talent fluctuates at public schools,” Hiscox said. “If we can continue on with that trend — it’s a big feat.”
Hiscox will remain as athletic director, and feels confident he can juggle both duties because of the laid-back nature of spring sports. The Badgers do not have any home track meets. And there are no gate fees.