A determined coach behind a united and motivated team, these are the reasons for the success of the “White Wolfs,” the junior Baseball team of Collège Ségurane in Nice. They qualified on May 15 for the final stages of the French championship after a tough battle against the team from Valbonne. The new regional champions are actively preparing for this final phase, which will take place from June 8 to 12 in Montpellier.
Nice-Premium went to meet these young champions to gather their impressions during their training on the hill of the castle.
Nice-Premium: How did the qualification for the French championship go?
White Wolfs: Difficult, and very stressful. It was decided over two matches at the Charles Ehrmann stadium in Nice and we won both of them. It was a first victory, but we know the hardest part is yet to come. We will try to do everything we can to win this cup, which has eluded Ségurane for nine years; we’ve reached many finals but never claimed victory.
NP: Do you think you stand a chance?
WW: We hope so, we certainly have the will, we know it won’t be easy, but we believe in it. We have a chance, especially since we train a lot for this.
NP: What are your strengths that will make a difference against your opponents?
WW: The complementarity of each member, our team spirit, and we have also worked a lot on our defense because we think that will make the difference.
NP: And your weak point?
WW: The attack, we haven’t had enough matches to work on it.
Mickaele Dutay (the coach): Sometimes there’s a lack of concentration, like today…
NP: Is Ségurane a fairly significant team regionally?
MD: Yes, I would even say nationally, because 5 times in 9 years, we have been selected and have gone on to the final phase of the French championship.
NP: How is the training organized?
MD: It’s playful training; it has to remain a pleasure for them above all. So, they have two hours on Wednesday and one hour on Monday to train for specific positions (pitcher, catcher), plus, if they wish, training on Saturday with a machine at Cavigal.
NP: Good luck then…
WW: Thank you! What times is it: Show times!