BETHEL — It’s 7:47 a.m., and Coach Josh Mowery is back at school, doing something he’s done after every Telstar baseball game this season – getting on the loudspeaker to celebrate his team.

“Good morning Rebels, Coach Mowery here… Last night your Rebels team had an amazing game… Brennan Walker, Nick LaPointe, Brody Walker and A.I. Ballou all added to the team’s win with some crucial hits… Keep cheering on your team as we continue to have record numbers of fans at games… Go Rebels!”

Even after a loss, Mowery shares the game’s highlights and positive moments with the school community.

A 2000 Telstar graduate, Mowery remembers when the school’s baseball program was a powerhouse. His team reached the State Championship game, finishing second. Now he’s determined to restore that legacy.

“I am trying to rebuild the team to what it used to be. It was a desirable program to be part of. Players, parents, staff took pride in it,” he said.

Coaching alongside Assistant Ryan Campbell, Mowery says the program has undergone a complete transformation.

“We have changed the entire program. We have put a ton of time, money and effort into rebuilding the program, with all new equipment and rebuilding the field. It has given the kids a confidence boost and a morale boost. The kids are excited, the parents are excited.”

Before home games, the team sets up a speaker playing country or pop music. Mowery delivers a motivational speech before each game and a recap after.

The success isn’t due to an easier schedule – Mowery actually hopes to return the team to the more competitive Mountain Valley Conference. Long travel times in the current conference are tough; a recent trip to Greenville took over three hours, only to have the game canceled due to rain.

Games have been dynamic, with players rotating positions. “We’ve been successful at that,” Mowery said.

School pride is visible, too. Telstar baseball sweatshirts and t-shirts are popping up all over town – Mowery estimates about 150 have been sold or given away. To keep that energy going, he recently launched a contest over the intercom: students were invited to submit their best photo of a Telstar baseball player to win team swag.

Within a minute, two students were already in the office, showing School Secretary Heather Jordan their entries.