Courtney Spitz isn’t dodging the reality of this season, he’s leaning straight into it. The Springfield Catholic Irish are taking on a brutal schedule stacked with bigger schools and tougher classes, all by design. It’s about development over comfort, and right now, that means learning through losses, adjusting to new district dynamics, and pushing through the kind of adversity that shapes postseason teams.
👉 Listen to the full episode and hear Spitz break it all down.

That approach gets even more layered when you factor in Missouri’s “multiplier” system and the ongoing perception battle private schools face. Spitz addresses it head-on, cutting through the noise around recruiting and reinforcing what the program actually stands for. It highlights a bigger reality across high school sports: perception doesn’t always match truth, and programs like Catholic are constantly navigating both the field and the narrative around them.

What separates this group goes beyond baseball. Faith, academics, and long-term development sit at the center, with a strong track record of players continuing their careers at the college level. Key upperclassmen are stepping into leadership roles, bringing speed, versatility, and next-level potential. Even in the middle of a tough stretch, the foundation is clear, and it’s built to last.

Looking ahead, the vision is just as strong as the culture. Plans for a future turf field for both baseball and softball signal where this program is headed, while the day-to-day focus stays locked on growth and resilience. And in true Spitz fashion, the episode doesn’t end without some personality, a spot-on impersonation of former coach Mark Stratton that reminds you this program knows how to compete and keep it loose.