State Champs Have Eyes Set on Gold Ball

The Putnam City Pirates once again have a strong roster this season, and aren’t about to underestimate the competition around them.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 5:55 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Nov 13, 2010 12:44 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Putnam City Pirates have their sights once again set on the Gold Ball, and with last year’s title marking the bulls’ eye on their backs, they’ll have to work their way back to the win column.

“We have some great players and some great role players,” Coach A.D. Burtschi said.

He credits not his coaching ability, but his players’ strong work ethic. The coaching staff asks the young men every day after practice, “Did you get better today?”

If the answer is “no,” Coach Burtschi says they wasted their time and his time. You likely won’t hear anything close to that response from the Pirate’s roster though. It’s evident the players enjoy playing for their coach.

When asked what the best thing about playing at Putnam City is, one player said, “Playing up under Coach Burtschi’s wing. He pushes hard every day and he never settles for less?never.”

Burtschi’s been at PCO for 27 years and is still focused on the main goal--bringing home the Gold Ball.

“There’s another championship to be had this year,” Burtschi said. “It is a goal. It’s a realistic goal. We have to work hard to make it happen.”

Last season, the Pirates came together at just the right time, hitting their stride and cruising to the state title, but this season they’ll have to prove their worth again. Coach Burtschi and his team won’t underestimate the teams they’ll face, but they’ll be as prepared as possible to blaze a path back to the Big House again this year.