MARCH 11, 2022, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE B13 lead. So, they have a lot to learn to be lead- ers,” Keeker said. “They’re quality kids and quality people, so it’s just a matter of me training them and reminding them ‘hey, is this what we want this to look like or are we going for a higher standard?’" “They know, but they’ve had no one to look at as they were coming up to be per- fectly honest. They’re going to lead the way, but they’ve gotten a lot to learn about true leadership as well.” Keeker points to their leadership traits already: Reliability. Good students and good community members. They’re already there. Now it’s just a matter of taking those traits and putting them into play. In prac- tice and game-like situations. “A lot of those traits that a leader would have been in place. Now it’s just taking those types of attitudes and behaviors and putting them into a practice situation. Putting them in a drill, putting them into warming up and into the culture of our dugout during a game. All of that is going to fall, not all but some of it is going to fall on their leadership and how we conduct ourselves in practice and games,” Keeker said. McNary will have plenty of practice in the meantime as their first game won’t be until March 16 on the road and their first home game not until March 18 against Tualatin. Make March Your Month Dont Forget Diamonds! 4965 River Rd N - Keizer | ph 503-393-0701 Monday – Friday: 10 am To 5 pm Saturday: 10am To 4pm Sunday: Closed McNary Head Coach Larry Keeker (left) speaks with a player at the start of practice Photo by JEREMY MCDONALD for the Keizertimes