Gibson county names michael wickersham baseball coach

When Michael Wickersham works to leave his mark on a program, there is usually success in the formula. From his time with University School of Jackson, Crockett County and Brighton, he has built a winning program.

Recently, Wickersham was named baseball coach at Gibson County, and he will try to do the same with the Pioneers. "It was a decision that me and my wife made," Wickersham said. "It was something that we prayed about, cried about. This was the best thing for us. We are extremely excited where we are at."

Wickersham replaces Neal Papich, who resigned following the season.

Wickersham leaving Brighton to take over at Gibson County dealt with family and distance to work.  "I loved Brighton," Wickersham said. "It was an hour-and-a-half drive each way. We were lifting at 6 a.m. in the morning, so my day was starting at 4 a.m. I was getting home at 10:30 or 11 o'clock. Gibson County is seven minutes from home. At the end of day, I have to make sure that my health and my marriage and better of being seven minutes from home."  Wickersham has seen what he wants to change has he implements his style of play.

"They were already in good shape," Wickersham said. "I am going to implement some things that I have learned in the past. I am going to make sure they are on a weight-training program. I think mentally they need to get a little better. Baseball is such a tough game, a mental game, it is a game of failure. When I watched them, when they started failing, they went down hill. They need to know how to take a step back and then get back in there and compete." Wickersham said he is more a process coach. "It seemed like they were a result-based team," Wickersham said. "We have to stay even keel. We can't be too excited when we are playing well, and we can't get down when things aren't going our way."

Gibson County had three seniors on the roster this past season, so there is plenty of talent for Wickersham to work with.  "If they buy in, we are going to be OK," he said. "From what I have been around them, they are going to buy in. The two (summer league) games I was with them, they were soaking it all in. It is going to be a blessing that they are old enough to help me put in my system. They do know baseball."

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.