Coach Hurst looking to make Brookwood Baseball top dog

Newly hired Brookwood head baseball coach Jason Hurst is returning to his alma mater with big plans for the baseball program. Hurst, who graduated from Brookwood in 2000, has not had a chance to practice with his team yet, but his plans for the team and the program have been laid out. It’s a plan that revolves around culture, as well as having fun while working hard. “We’re a young team right now. I think the core fundamentals that we’re going to focus on is playing confident, playing loose, and being fundamental,” Hurst said. “There is a rash of coaches, especially young coaches, in high school baseball that haven’t been exposed to the game at a high level and they think you have to spend six hours a day on team practice and they think you can’t have any fun and, honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth.” Hurst is bringing something to the table that many high school baseball coaches don’t have, pro baseball experience. Hurst spent several years in the minor leagues before transitioning to coaching, spending time in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. When asked how that experience will help him at Brookwood, the word Hurst used was perspective. “I always tell guys, the big leagues is about 30% guys who were made to play professional baseball and the other 70% are guys who are just like us, who are just really really good at the process and are really really good at playing the game.” The 43-year-old former professional ball player is ecstatic to be back on his old stomping grounds. He was sure to thank the Brookwood family, Headmaster Dr. Randy Watts, and AD Jenny Lauderdale. “It’s exciting, it’s cool, there’s some nostalgia involved,” Hurst said. “I knew this was something that probably one day, God willing, I’d be given the opportunity to do. I’m thrilled to be back here.” Though Hurst has not had the chance to get to know his players very well, he will have some help in that department as former Warrior head coach Danial Funt is staying on staff as Hurst’s top varsity assistant. Funt spent several years coaching the Warriors, including the 2022-2023 season when he led Brookwood to a region title. “I’m going to be able to lean on him for insight and perspective on our own kids and also the teams we’re playing as well,” Hurst said. Hurst ended his comments on Brookwood’s upcoming season and the direction of the program with a powerful message to the rest of the state of Georgia. Something that he said he believes with every fiber of his being. “I’m a Brookwood Warrior. I know what it means to wear these colors. I’m familiar with the stigmas both good and bad in the community,” Hurst said. “Plain and simple, I expect in a very short time for Brookwood to be mentioned with the top programs in the state regardless of public, private, or class. We’re going to build a powerhouse South Georgia baseball program and it’s going to happen sooner than later.”