In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton's landfall on Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm, the Eckerd College Tritons in St. Petersburg, Florida, have found themselves facing the daunting task of rebuilding and recovering. With their baseball field sustaining significant damage, the team has had to adapt and overcome, showcasing the true spirit of resilience that defines their community.

Weathering the Storm: Eckerd College Tritons Emerge Stronger

Assessing the Damage: A Field in Disrepair

The Eckerd College baseball field has endured the brunt of the storm's impact, with both Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene leaving their mark. The dugouts have lost their roofs, the batting cage has been tossed about, and the softball field's scoreboard has been destroyed. Yet, despite the extensive damage, the Tritons' coaches and players remain undaunted, recognizing that the situation could have been much worse.

Logan Wells, a Suncoast resident and assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator at Eckerd College, acknowledges the setback, stating, "This takes us back to ground zero. It allows us to really regroup and say, 'Hey, in the grand scheme of things, even with what's going on, we're blessed.'" This resilient mindset is echoed by the team's head coach, Josh Beauregard, who sees the challenges as "little wins" in the face of adversity.

Adapting and Overcoming: Finding Alternate Venues

With the baseball field in disrepair, the Tritons have had to get creative in their training and practice regimen. Fortunately, they have found a valuable ally in Logan Wells, who has opened the doors to his facility in Palmetto, allowing the players to continue their preparations for the upcoming season.

Kamron Gelwick, a junior baseball player for the Tritons, expresses his gratitude for Wells' support, saying, "Logan's been a big part of my baseball career ever since my senior year of high school. He's always made sure that the guys that play here, they always have somewhere to go." This partnership has been instrumental in keeping the team's momentum going, as they work tirelessly to get back on their home field.

Beauregard echoes this sentiment, stating, "Logan and Bay Area Pro, we've had a great partnership. He's been a great partner and a good friend too." The Tritons' ability to adapt and find alternative solutions has been a testament to their resilience and determination.

Shifting Perspectives: Prioritizing What Truly Matters

As the Tritons navigate the challenges of rebuilding and recovery, they have also found an opportunity to reflect on the broader perspective of life and what truly matters. Wells eloquently expresses this shift in mindset, saying, "Sports aren't everything. What I got in my hands means more than anything in the world. My family, my wife, my mother, my father. Having those things when it all came down to it, still having those things is the most important thing. I think our players are starting to realize that too."

This realization has not only strengthened the team's bond but has also instilled a deeper appreciation for the things that truly matter in life. The Tritons have recognized that while the game they love has been disrupted, the support and camaraderie of their community have become the true driving force behind their recovery efforts.

As the Tritons prepare for the upcoming baseball season, their resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to their community. The journey ahead may be arduous, but with the unwavering support of their coaches, players, and the broader Eckerd College family, the Tritons are poised to emerge from this challenge stronger than ever before.