Oak Hill Baseball coach talks new program with West Point Rotary
When you think of running a tight ship, you may think of John Siary, the new baseball coach of Oak Hill Academy. This week, at the Rotary Club of West Point's meeting, coach John Siary discussed his philosophy while building Oak Hill Academy's baseball program since he took over in August of 2022.
“When the opportunity came to go from Starkville Academy to Oak Hill Academy, it gave me the ability to take charge and lead young men again. And that's really my purpose. Baseball is just a part of that,” said Siary. “I'm in the business of developing young men with character and integrity.”
Siary was born in Albany, New York, and played baseball in college at the College of Saint Rose. He then proceeded to enter the United States Marine Corps, where he spent 27 years serving honorably. After retiring, Siary reentered the baseball world as a coach, which eventually led him to Oak Hill Academy last year.
Since taking over the team, Siary has been putting a strong emphasis on integrity and accountability, along with leadership training. Siary said that the team has been practicing together consistently since October 31, only taking breaks for holidays. The team is excited to start a new season next week.
“They're chomping at the bit to get the new season started next week,” said Siary.
“There were times where I'm sure they didn't want to be there, but they've managed to hold their heads high and set an example for the younger players.”
Since Siary's move into the coaching position, he has put an emphasis on his older students helping to teach and train his younger students. In the Oak Hill Academy baseball program, players of all ages practice together, from the Junior High to Varsity teams.
“They all practice together, and they all have different leadership opportunities,” Siary said. “Seniors are put in charge of different things that we do around the facility… So when they're done with high school and college, they can be good leaders. That's my charge to them,” Siary said.
There are currently 42 children in the Oak Hill Academy baseball program. Siary is excited about the season and for the growth and development his players have already shown since practices began.
“Please come to the games. We encourage everyone to show up,” said Siary, warmly. “Come on down, watch the Raiders play, and we can't wait to see you out there.”
Siary was also proud to announce to the West Point Rotary Club that the Oak Hill Academy Baseball team will once again be going to the Battle of the Beach tournament in Biloxi for the first time in eight years, competing against 64 teams.
Siary then introduced the Rotary Club of West Point to the seniors on his team. The Rotary Club of West Point received both Siary and his seniors warmly.