By Matt Browning
Derby High School is in Jarrod Foster’s blood.
He played sports for the Panthers and is now a fixture on the football and baseball coaching staffs.
Being a part of the growth of young athletes is worth every minute Foster spends on the sidelines or in the dugout.
“Derby is home for me, and the goal is to help build the program,” Foster said. “I appreciate being part of the program I grew up playing for. I take a lot of pride in seeing players grow on and off the field.”
On the diamond, Foster and head coach Todd Olmstead work closely day in and day out developing the program.
“Coach Olmstead and I work very closely together on practice plans and he gives me the freedom to implement new drills and situations with the players,” Foster said. “I generally oversee infield play, defensive situations, and hitters. On game days I’m in charge of our pre-game warmups, batting practice, and fieldwork.”
Earlier in his life, Foster had aspirations of being a head coach, but as his own children have grown up in the Derby family, he values that dynamic.
“Early in my coaching career, I aspired to head up my own baseball program but seeing my kids, Addy and Rowan, grow up in Derby and attend the same high school as their parents and grandparents has been very rewarding,” Foster said. “There is a possibility that after they have graduated, I might look for that opportunity.”
