Chory’s luck already improving on return as AG baseball coach
Shawn Chory was sitting on an unlucky number and the Albert Gallatin baseball team was coming off a disappointing 2-14 season. Now that the two are united again, perhaps the Colonials’ fortunes are about to change.
Chory spent a decade as an assistant coach at AG under his father, Rob Chory, then took over as head coach for a three-year span that included the school’s first ever section title in 2000.
The younger Chory stepped down following the 2002 season after 13 years on the coaching staff. After a four-year absence, Chory has decided to return as the Colonials head coach, pushing him off that number of superstitions and on to No. 14 with the team.
“Probably the best thing I did was take some time off from coaching,” said Chory, who was 25-24 in his first stint as head coach. “It gave me a chance to recharge my batteries and get excited about coaching again. It also gave me time to reassess myself as a coach, both my strengths and weaknesses.”
Chory’s luck is already leaning to the good side.
Gene Franks, the Colonials’ all-time leader in home runs and hits, was unlikely to play this season after undergoing knee surgery in November, but the senior has made an amazing recovery and is back with the team and in the starting lineup.
“He really worked hard and was cleared to play,” Chory said.
Chory takes over for Jason Lohr, who resigned after the 2006 season.
“I feel bad it didn’t work out for him here at AG,” Chory said. “I have known Jason for years, and he always invited me to come to any practice or games that he had.”
Albert Gallatin won its first two games last season, then lost the rest, including all 12 in Section 2-AAAA, where the Colonials will be again this year.
“I know it’s a strong section and we’ll work as hard as we can to get ready for the season,” said Chory, who added his keys to success. “I plan on drilling fundamentals over and over again. I have also always stressed attitude. I never look at just the boys’ baseball skills. I look at his attitude, work ethic and demeanor as well as baseball skill.”
Chory has eight seniors on his team, including Franks. The others are Jon Angel (OF), Elmer Engle (P-3B), Logan Howard (C), Shane Kovach (OF), Charlie Lawrence (IF), Justin Swaney (IF-OF) and Brad Zitney (OF).
“Angel is a good defensive outfielder with a strong arm and good speed,” Chory said in assessing some of his seniors. “Engle looks to be the top returning pitcher and is very dedicated. Howard is a good defensive catcher who is light on his feet. He’s also a 4.0 student.
“Lawrence is a hard-working infielder who is excellent defensively at second base. Swaney is very versatile. He can play any position.”
Albert Gallatin has five juniors in A.J. Barnas (IF-P), Mike Kubitza (1B-P), Wayne Morgan (IF), Emmett Roper (OF) and Troy Volansky (OF), and six sophomores in Matt Chisler (P-1B-OF), J.R. Dice (1-1B-OF), Colin Packroni (OF), Eric Palmer (P-3B), Josh Sapp (1B-C) and Heath Shaffer (IF).
“Barnas is a steady, hard-working middle infielder,” Chory said. “Kubitza has a sweet swing and in an excellent defensive first baseman. He also looks to be our No. 2 pitcher. Morgan and Volansky are hard-working, dedicated players who will definitely see varsity time this year.
“Packroni is another hard-working, dedicated player. He’s an outfielder and he has some skills. I saw him in varsity games as a freshman last season. Palmer has been impressive on the mound early. He will see varsity innings this season.”
Chory has some ninth-graders at his disposal, too.
“We have 23 total freshmen, and I brought up five to play varsity and junior varsity,” Chory said.
They are Derek Delorenzo (IF-P), Joe McMichael (OF), Derek Murray (IF-P), Michael Petrun (1B-P) and Blake Robinson (C).
Chory has a pair of former Colonial four-year players as assistant coaches in Todd Dunham, who had a fine career as a relief pitcher at West Virginia University, and C.J. Shimshock. Volunteer assistants are Chad Filmeck and Jerry Valenti, and the ninth-grade coach is former Fayette County Baseball League great Dennis Santella.
“I’m really glad to be working again with the boys and my assistant coaches,” Chory said, “and I’m looking forward to working with opposing coaches, umpires and anybody involved in high school baseball.
“High school baseball is like a fraternity and I’m glad to be back in.”