Photo courtesy of: Ohio University ZanesvilleTracer Baseball Coach Zack Pollock

We asked Coach Pollock a few questions to get to know a little about him and why he accepted the position of coach for the Tracer Baseball program.

Why is having athletics available for students important?

For me having athletics available for the students is a major aspect for the institution. I wouldn’t have been the player or man that I am today without athletics on this campus. I grew up coming to practices and learning every day; not only the fundamentals of the game, but also the way you carry yourself in the eye of the public. When you go do something it’s not just yourself that is being represented, but also your family and the organization that you are representing. Being a part of a team at OUZ isn’t just about the games, it is preparing athletes for the real world and life beyond sports just as much as winning, but winning nice as well.

Why did you put your hat in the ring to take over for your dad?

Without him knowing it, I think Dad has been grooming me for this position since I was 6 or 7 years old. Coming to practices and games, working on the field, talking about practices/games/lineups to and from the field, those were always geared with a coach’s intent and learning all the time. Tracer baseball in particular has been just another part of the family for as long as I can remember. The faculty and staff have always been welcoming and treated me, even when I was rotten little kid, like I belonged. 

I shared in the thrills of victory and perils of defeat. I lived the ups and downs, just as if I was playing on each of those teams for all those years. I think I always knew someday that I wanted to take over the team and try to impact the lives of younger players the way I saw Dad do for so many years. I see people all the time out in the community that will say, “Hey how’s your Mom and Dad? I loved playing for him and being around the family.” That just makes me want to impact people the same way, the feeling is almost an indescribable sense of pride.

What have you observed over the years (as a player and as the coach’s son)?

I touched on this a little in the last answer, but the way I saw players grow; they would always thank him, maybe not immediately, but years later when I hear them talk about their experiences on his teams – it seems to make it all worthwhile.

Being the coach’s son isn’t always easy by any means; you are held to a higher standard on some things, which I believe has groomed me as a coach. To be expected to do things a certain way molds you into a better person and player. If I was afforded the same choice that I made in 2010 – coming to play on the Tracer team – I would make it every time. I had offers to go to bigger schools and play, but they just didn’t feel right. Like I said before, I feel as if I was meant to play and coach at Ohio University Zanesville.

Any final thoughts, Coach Pollock?

I am excited and grateful that I get to continue the legacy of the Pollock name as the leader of the Tracers. My grandfather always used to say, “Don’t tell me how big of a man you are. Go out and show me!” I guess that it’s time for me to do just that; let’s get to work.