Friese named new baseball coach at Bucktail
By Bees O’Brien
FARWELL, PA- Bucktail baseball has not been a relevant player in the Mid Penn Conference or District IV since 2003. That was the year that Bo Long, Russell Long, Mike Charcalla, Dan Morton, Chris Burrows and host of other talented players captured the Mid Penn Conference Championship.
The then state-ranked Bucks were stunned by West Snyder in the first round of District IV play. They’ve made just one trip to district playoffs since then, a home loss to St. John Neumann.
Thursday night the KCSD school board named Casey Friese the new head coach.
Friese has been an assistant coach at Bucktail the past 8 seasons, was the program’s first ever junior high coach and served as special teams coach for the football program in 2021.
Friese has a game plan too.
“I believe in the power of communication and respect.” Commented Friese when asked about building the Bucks’ program back to what it once was. “I plan to create an environment where each player feels valued, heard and respected.”
Building back the Bucks will be a challenge for Friese, but it’s one he’s eager to begin. Bucktail won just 2 games last season and only two the previous season.
Errors and pitching were mostly to blame. Kyler Friese, Casey’s son and Ethan Kalafut both provided solid bats during the 2023 season. Braylon Fantaski and Brett Mason were also key contributors that both return. A highly talented incoming freshman class has also been a talking point and several players that had not played in previous seasons are set to come back to the program, but Friese understands the reality of having success and reaching playoffs.
“Achieving success at the district level and topping the Mid Penn Conference is certainly a long-term goal for our program. However, sustainable success is built gradually and systematically.” Said Friese “While we aim high, it’s important to set achievable, incremental goals that will contribute to our ultimate aim.”
Northeast Bradford captured the PIAA District IV 1A championship this past season with a losing record and would even advance to the state quarterfinals, so success is well within Bucktail’s grasp.
