Iowa City West senior Declan Bunn embraces leadership role on and off the baseball field

Declan Bunn has served as an offensive leader for Iowa City West.

His impact extends beyond the batter’s box, setting the bar in categories like hits, runs, batting average and reaching base. Bunn finds a way to influence his teammates in the dugout, at practice and off the field as well.

“You can call him ‘Coach Bunn,’” West first-year head coach Jamie O’Meara said. “Statistically, he's putting up some great numbers and doing some different things but he's the guy that's over there talking to the pitchers. He's talking to the hitter about what he sees. Having a player like that is of invaluable for a program and I'm looking forward to see what he can do the rest of the season and possibly at the next level.”

Bunn reached base all three at-bats and scored two runs, helping West defeat Iowa City Regina, 11-7, during the 10 th annual Fight with Flash Foundation Crosstown Classic on Saturday at Solon Recreation and Nature Area Baseball Field. The victory was the Trojans’ third in a row and fourth in the last five games.

“We’re playing some good solid defense,” O’Meara said. “The offense is clicking a little bit.”

“We’re trying to solidify the lineup. A lot of guys have definitely stepped up. This team is having fun. They're taking things seriously and working on things they need to work on … we’re doing well.”

As for “Coach Bunn,” the name does have a nice ring to it. The nickname could foreshadow a future role.

“It means a lot,” Bunn said. “I’d like to think I know the game pretty well. I try to lead my example, so in practice and games, I try to use my experience to help the other guys. whether that's with an approach or a situation, just what we've seen. “

Bunn entered Saturday, hitting .500 and getting on base at a .609 clip. The Trojans’ leadoff hitter now has 15 runs and 19 hits – all team highs. He wants to share his knowledge and provide an example for his teammates to follow in all aspects.

”I like to think I take a leadership stance,” Bunn said. “I've been on the team for three years now at the varsity level. Kyle Cherry and I are the oldest ones here with the most experience, so you kind of lead with that example. You know what it's what it's like to be up here and you got to show guys what it's like to be here and what it should look like to be here. That's off the field and on the field.”

West (6-7) capitalize on Regina pitching woes, including 10 walks and six hit batsmen. The Trojans burst to a 5-0 lead in the first. They added another five-run inning in the third for a 10-1 lead. West only had three hits In those two innings – all in the third – but the approaches were a sign of progress and made a difference against the Regals (9-2).

“Our big thing in the beginning of the year was we weren't getting situational hits when we needed to,” Bunn said. “A lot of runs left on base. We had a couple of practices in a row where that was our main focus. We just sat there and we were determined to get those situational at-bats better.”

Christian Sawyer allowed two runs on four hits, earning the win for West. Cherry scored two runs. Eli Nolte had a two-run single and Owen Harms added a two-run double in the third. Kellen Craig had a run-scoring double in the fourth to cap the Trojans’ scoring.

West substituted just about every position, calling on 10 reserves that got at least one pinch-hit or played the field.

Good experience for players trying to earn a job and a way to reward their hard work during a special atmosphere.

“I believe everybody got into the game today,” O’Meara said. “Everybody got to contribute a little bit. We got a lot of guys working hard, putting a lot of time in, and you want to reward that. And this is such a great event. You kind of want everybody to be on the field.

“I think it’s a good event that I think every kid needs to part of it.”

Connor Nicpon had two hits, a walk, drove in a run and scored once for Regina.

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