AU baseball team names captains as it prepares for opener against USC Beaufort
By Shelbie Summerlin | Sports writer
Augusta University baseball has named it’s four captains for the 2022 season as the Jaguars prepare for their opener on Tuesday, Feb. 1, against USC Beaufort.
The AU captains are: Mason Robertson, a fifth year senior infielder from Jesup, Georgia; Ben Markiewicz, a junior infielder from Lilburn, Georgia; Jasper Dubberly, a junior pitcher from Jesup, Georgia; and Lukas Coker, a junior infielder from Britton, Michigan.
This is the first time Augusta baseball has had captains since Coach Chris Howell has been a coach at AU.
“I think it’s important for our team to know who the internal voice is and who the guys are expecting to lead,” said Howell.
The team voted and it “was pretty obvious” who would be the 2022 baseball captains for the upcoming season.
“When our 35 guys came in and voted, they felt the same way,” said Howell. “It was kind of a no-brainer.”
Howell calls Robertson a “grinder” and believes he plays the game the right way.
“He’s put in his time to kinda be in this moment,” said Howell. “Might not be the most vocal guy, but actions speak louder than words, and he’s that guy.”
Robertson sees himself as a leader that leads by example and is looking forward to leading his team the best way he can.
“This means I am always trying to do the right thing, so many of the younger players can look at me and see what the expectations of being a baseball player for this program are,” said Robertson. “I am super excited about this season and plan on continuing to be the same person and player that I have always been.”
To Howell, Markiewicz has been a go-to leader for the team in the past.
“Markiewicz has always kinda been our vocal guy,” said Howell. “He’s a guy that just plays with passion. He’s got the respect from the players and very purpose-driven, and there’s no doubt that he leads our team.”
Markiewicz is honored to be voted as a captain for this season and says that being a leader is about setting expectations and motivating teammates to achieve their goals.
“Being a leader goes beyond just the baseball world and allows you to set the example on and off the field,” said Markiewicz. “Hopefully at this time, myself along with the other guys chosen as leaders, have set the level of expectations we have for this team and will continue to not settle for anything shy of success.”
Dubberly has a team-first mentality, according to Howell.
“He’s all about team, always has been,” said Howell. “He’s a guy that just pushes that pitching staff. They break it down on family and brotherhood.”
Dubberly can’t wait to help lead his teammates since he knows they have his back just like he has theirs.
“To me, being a leader is showing up every day in all aspects of life and excelling in what you are supposed to do,” said Dubberly. “I plan to help lead our team to success by performing well on the field, being a great teammate, and just being someone that they can talk about anything.”
For Howell, Coker’s presence sets him apart and he understands what being a leader and a good teammate is all about.
“Coker is a guy that’s very mature,” said Howell. “[He] gains a lot of respect immediately because of the way he goes about it. He’s a guy that just represents us as a voice.”
Coker is excited to be a captain and lead by example.
“Being a leader to me means that I am being an example not only on the field but off of it as well,” said Coker. “I plan on being the best leader I can be and hope the same effort and work ethic rubs off onto my teammates.”
The four captains help solidify the team, and Howell says they “ultimately just do what’s best for these guys.”
The season opener will be at Jaguar Field on Tuesday. First pitch is 2 p.m. AU will play three games at Newberry on the weekend, one game on Friday and two on Saturday.
Lukas Coker (second from left) trots home after hitting a home run during a recent AU baseball practice. At the top of the page, Ben Markiewicz makes a catch on a pop foul ball. (photos by Shelbie Summerlin)
