Muleskinner

Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Sports

Commentary: Nate Taylor [Click to enlarge]

Coach Tom Myers is, and will forever be a Mule at heart. Although he was an assistant coach at Kansas State, this was really his home.

After four years in Manhattan, Kan., Warrensburg, Mo. called him back home again. This time though, as the new head coach of the Mules' baseball team.

This past Friday I was able to go to Crane Stadium-Tompkins Field to see the Mules in person for the first time this season.

After winning both games against Washburn, I wanted to talk with Myers and get to know him. I wanted a first impression.

This is what I took from our conversation.

Coach Myers is learning.

Just like every Mules fan, Myers is learning about his team, which makes him a breath of fresh air.

So many times you see a coach try to dictate every little thing. But Myers wants the learning environment to be mutual.

"I think it's been a learning time for me and the guys," Myers said. "I'm really happy to be here, and I just feel I'm understanding their game."

Coach Myers is a parent.

With 3-year-old Logan and 1-year-old Addison, you know Myers teaches his kids everyday. But it doesn't stop there. He is also teaching his baseball team everyday.

"I think I'm always teaching no matter what because I'm learning too," Myers said. "The teaching part is what I love doing."

Coach Myers is a friend.

Last year senior pitcher Danny Potje was having trouble connecting with coaches on personal level. Not this year.

Myers has made it a point to get to know everyone.

"He's a big people person," Potje said. "It's a lot different because you can really talk to him about anything, and he really understands things. That makes you want to play for him more. Last year, it was really hard to approach a coach."

That statement alone tells me a lot about Myers.

It's always good to know a coach isn't just looking up at the scoreboard all the time.

Coach Myers is a motivator.

First and foremost, when you're a coach, you have to guide your team. Myers seems to be doing that well. He's got the Mules on fire right now.

They've won winning 12 of their last 13 games. Myers just seems to have the right voice for the Mules and that brings me to my final point.

Most importantly, coach Myers is a winner.

Wherever Myers has coached, there has been success. That is all you can ask for when you're an athlete - that your coach will give you a chance to win.

In 2003, when the Mules won a national championship, Myers was the assistant coach, so he knows what it takes to win.

After talking to players Friday, the feeling is the same from everybody. Myers' energy has this team believing in themselves.

Sometimes first impressions don't mean anything.

This time though, I think it meant everything.

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