Despite having a record of 4-9, the Archbishop Riordan baseball team continues to get stronger through adversity, focusing on brotherhood, hard work, and building culture. This bond has been beneficial for the team, keeping them motivated throughout this difficult season.
Santino Williams ’27 emphasized how important this connection has been for them. “Being able to find our brotherhood, and have each other’s back no matter what,” Williams said. “And also to remember how hard we worked to get where we are now.”
This attitude has helped the players stay motivated throughout the season.
“A couple ways I stay focused and motivated through ups and downs is knowing what the future holds for me,” Williams said. “And
telling myself, ‘why be the same, if there’s something to work on to be better?’”
Another player, Kane Cook ’26, mentioned one of the greatest moments of the season, “The South City walk-off win” against South San Francisco.
Another aspect Cook emphasized was the team’s commitment to getting better and competing every day. “We’re trying to build more
culture, more hard work on the field,” he said. “Just trying to compete and have a good time while doing it.”
Looking ahead, Cook remains confident and optimistic the team can improve. “I hope that as a team we can come together and get some wins on the board,” he said. “I know it is totally attainable, we just need to have some more fun out on the field.”
Head Coach Craig Sargent echoed that same belief, pointing to major growth within the program.
“We’ve seen a big jump in buy-in accountability, and overall grit,” Sargent said. He added,“The guys are starting to really understand what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.”
One of the factors Sargent emphasized about the rebuilding of the program was the return of the freshman team after a four year hiatus.
“That’s a big step in building long-term success,” he said. “We’re seeing real growth, not just in performance, but in the culture we’re creating.”
With 14 games left to play, the Crusaders are still looking to challenge themselves and others.
“We’ve got 14 games left, and the goal is to give ourselves a chance to finish around .500 and compete for a CCS spot,” Sargent said. “We’ve dealt with injuries, but our mindset hasn’t changed. It’s next man up.”
However, Sargent said the lessons learned would last long after the final game is played.
“Baseball comes with a lot of failure, and how you respond to that teaches you grit, resilience, and character,” he said. “My job is to help shape these young men into better people on and off the field.”
Off the field, Coach Sargent shared, “We’ve been incredibly fortunate this year thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors. Their contributions have allowed us to make major upgrades that are already impacting our program in a big way.”
He added, “We introduced three brand new jerseys this season, along with team jackets for every level of the program. We’ve also invested heavily in branding, adding Riordan Baseball visuals behind home plate and in the dugouts to really elevate the look and identity of our field.”
As the season continues, the Crusaders are proving that the story of the season is more than just the record; it’s about growth, resilience and playing for each other.
