A new era in Big Rapids High School Baseball has begun as JT Scarpelli was recently named the new head coach of the Cardinals. 

He takes over for Jake Schumann, who resigned in the Fall to take a position with the Ferris State University women's softball program, and Sam Doherty who headed the program since 2015.

Scarpelli a 2007 alum of BRHS, played college baseball at Kellogg Community College (07-09) where he was team captain and lead his team to a 2009 NJCAA World Series appearance. The next season he transferred to Hillsdale College (09-11) where he was named team captain as well. At BRHS, Scarpelli was as assistant under former HC Sam Daugherty from 2015-2021. In 2022, he led the JV Cardinals baseball team to a 26-4 season. 

Scarpelli will take what he's learned as an assistant the last six years and one season as JV head coach and use that knowledge for his vision of cardinals baseball. 

"The biggest thing I learned is culture building. What kind of dugout will breed success on the field? How can I motivate kids to play their best each and every day for an entire season? I learned a lot from the previous Head Coach Sam Daugherty, someone I've known since I was a little kid, specifically how to approach building a program versus just winning games in the moment. Sam always had a great vision for the future of Big Rapids Baseball and I intend to build on that vision." Scarpelli said. 

As an alum, Scarpelli says its an honor to represent BRHS and the community.

"It means the world to me! This is my town and my school. I graduated from Big Rapids High School, I work in BR, my wife works in BR. I see it as a great honor to represent my school in the greatest sport in the history of the world." He said. 

Scarpelli is excited to get started and work with team, he says parents and players can expect to have a competitive team this year but also a team that has fun.

"I try to keep things loose but competitive. It's a game and I want players to have fun, but it's also a very competitive level so they need to be focused and in it. I'm also big on communication and accountability. I will always emphasize open communication between players and coaches. I want them to know where they stand, what they can improve, how they can help the team, etc. For accountability I keep it simple. If you make a mistake, own it, grow from it, and don't do it again." Scarpelli said.