MEEKER | Entering his second season leading the Cowboys, head coach James Romansky is focused on building both depth and culture within the program.
After his first year, Romansky said one of the biggest lessons came from coaching in a smaller community, particularly when it comes to pitching.
“The biggest thing is just trying to stay within the same rules that everybody in the state has to field, which is the pitching rules,” Romansky said. “The biggest challenge for me is the scheduling and the frequency of games, and the fact that for a team our size, particularly last year and this year, you probably want 90% of your guys to be able to throw pretty decently off the mound.”
With a limited roster, that challenge becomes even more important as the Cowboys navigate pitch counts and rest requirements throughout the season.
Romansky said much of the offseason focus has been on developing the right mindset for a sport that often revolves around failure.
“The grind is where all the fun is,” Romansky said. “Failure is part of the sport, and it’s actually, you know, it’s a weird sport, because it’s like we measure failure. Statistics are huge.”
He added that helping players embrace that reality is key to long-term success.
“If you can be joyful and thankful through that process, you’re going to bounce back a lot better,” Romansky said.
The Cowboys will rely on a young roster this season, with senior catcher Augie Halstead serving as a leader behind the plate.
“Regardless of how old you are as a catcher, you get to see the other eight positions on the field, that kind of de facto makes you a leader,” Romansky said.
Juniors Said Rodriguez and Cade Mills will also play key roles in shaping the team’s identity.
“Said Rodriguez is a huge culture builder, a huge driver for the team,” Romansky said. “Cade’s just kind of a quiet competitor, and he goes out there and just really knows the game.”
As Meeker prepares to open the season on the road March 24th at Battle Mountain, Romansky said his focus is on how his team handles adversity.
“Regardless of the outcome, what I want to see is, are we playing fearlessly,” Romansky said. “When you are afraid, you’re going to make the error.”
He emphasized the importance of confidence and resilience early in the season.
“Can we get hit, can we get up, can we stop bleeding really early on,” Romansky said. “Are we allowed to make an error and then can the rest of the team pick that up.”
Looking ahead, Romansky said the Cowboys have clear goals for the season.
“Postseason is always the goal,” Romansky said. “I want to win league.”
At the same time, he emphasized that success goes beyond wins and losses.
“In a small town, one of the measurements is what do guys do post high school,” Romansky said.
As the season begins, Romansky hopes the Cowboys will be a team that plays with energy and enjoyment — something he believes will resonate with the community.
“I want people to come out and see our players having the best time imaginable,” Romansky said. “Go compete, go be joyful, and just enjoy the game.”
With a year of experience under their head coach and a foundation now in place, the Cowboys will take the field this season looking to grow, compete and establish themselves as a contender.
