A white baseball with fire red laces falls forward in a fast, buzzing motion that visually is nothing more than a blur; but when you connect with those laces and give that ball a ride it is an amazing feeling.
It’s not the rush of hitting a ball perfectly; it’s the whole experience of the ballpark and all that goes with it. Players that have spent a lot of time playing at some point will play at the highest level they, but instead of leaving the game they love, they began to teach others to love and play the game the right way.
“I got into coaching as a way to stay in the game. I always thought my coaches growing up were heroes and idols,” said first year Camden County High School baseball coach Chuck Seymour.
Though it’s Seymour’s first season as the Wildcats skipper, he has been at Camden County, sowing the seeds of a great program and learning under Wildcat baseball legend Jay Lasley.
“Working alongside Coach Lasley prepared me due to the work load and responsibilities he allowed me to undertake on a daily basis,” Seymour said. “Coach Lasley built a very strong program and left many pieces in place that we needed to continue to be successful. Learning the ins and outs that assistants are usually shielded from has been eye-opening and makes me appreciate not only everything Jay did for us, but also the hard work and dedication that my staff has. I have now seen both sides. Being in a new role, a new teaching position, overseeing all aspects of the program, scheduling, ordering uniforms, and gear, a field renovation, a phone that never stops ringing, and the general pressure that every head coach is under have been a daily grind.”
Seymour’s transition from assistant to head coach has been a growth experience. Being in the same building with the players, he has seen how hard they work in the weight room, which makes them better athletes and gives the opportunity to see him in a new light.
“First, I realize how valuable good assistants and a quality staff is,” Seymour said. “Very rarely do I even feel like the smartest person in the room when my other coaches are around. Having guys that work as hard as they do and are as knowledgeable as they are has made this transition smooth. Jay was very good at letting us as assistants take charge and give input. Just like he did with us for so many years, I try to make sure we are all working together instead of guys working for me. I also learned from Jay how to handle the things outside the gates that drive so many coaches crazy. My assistant coaches are not only very smart baseball guys but they are very driven as well. To watch them work and teach is an inspiration to me.”
He worked many hours as an assistant, but now being in charge of the baseball program, days can go longer, from seven in the morning to at least seven at night, and that schedule changes according to the game schedule.
Originally from Tennessee, he played baseball and football at McKenzie High School in McKenzie, Tennessee. After high school, Seymour played college baseball at Volunteer Junior College, where he competed in the 1995 Junior College World Series before finishing his degree at the University of Tennessee- Martin. Seymour has also hit home runs in five different countries.
Because of a demanding schedule, Seymour is grateful to the have the love and support of wife and family that understand during baseball season.
“I, like many coaches, have definitely out kicked my coverage,” he said. “I have a beautiful and amazing wife, Kylee, who is also a teacher in our school system. My son, Will, is about to turn 9, and my daughter, Easton, is 15 months old. I enjoy the little down time I get. My family time is of the utmost importance to me. My parents live here and get to watch my kids grow up. Being able to close off the outside world at times that often gets my complete attention during the season; I try to give my family back the time they lose during the daily grind of the season.”
There are definite expectations that exist in Camden County which have made the school one of the best in the classroom and on the field. While Seymour enjoyed the Wildcats seasons that have led to the Elite Eight and Final Four, he has enjoyed just being able to impact hundreds of players’ lives since 2002.
“Our other programs’ success both drives us and proves that winning is both a reality here and an expectation,” Seymour said. “The better our other sports do the more of a challenge it is for our guys to fight for their place at the table. We have always had administrative support from day one. They are always behind us giving us what we need to be successful and allowing us to challenge ourselves as coaches as well as the players we are entrusted with. Our newly renovated field and clubhouse are evidence of the school system, PSA, and community working together to make Camden baseball special.”
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Seymour enjoying his first season as Wildcat’s Skipper
By John Wood
