Junior Nathan Tarver has a had a bat in his hands since he was 3. The Phoenix Christian star knows what it takes to succeed.

Tarver focused on lifting weights, agility work and fundamentals in the off season to build on his accomplishments of last season. He’s hungry for more.

“I feel like it’s a good starting point for the season and I can really build off it,” said Tarver.

Tarver is a consistent third baseman for the Cougars but his strength is hitting. He finished last season with a batting average of .535.

“I’m a coach so I’m always seeing things that could get better but there is no glaring weakness for him he’s just a great all-around ball player,” said coach Mark Band.

Band has coached Tarver since he was in eighth grade. Together the two have won two state titles and Tarver earned Defensive Player of the Year last season.

“Nobody on our team has a better work ethic that Nathan,” said Band. “I don’t think anybody works harder than him, which is why he gets the results he does.”

Tarver steps up as a leader also. When he leads by example, no words are necessary.

“If I just do my part everybody else will follow suit and feed off each other’s success,” Tarver. “We only need to get one person going and then it’s a whole chain reaction.”

The atmosphere on the Cougars field is positive. Every player’s success is celebrated and they are encouraged in their setbacks.

“We all just help each other out and make sure everyone gets a pick me up when they need one,” said Tarver.

The Cougars play their first game Wednesday at Phoenix Christian.

“I’m very excited because it will get us rolling and basically show us what we need to work on and what we need to build on,” said Tarver.