"Of course we try to win ball games, but there's a lot more to life than just winning games," said Zachary High School Head Baseball Coach Jesse Cassard at yesterday's Rotary club.

Cassard shared his keys to success in life and in baseball with the service organization at their Feb. 25 meeting.

"I try to run my team and program like a business. There is so much more though that goes into baseball than just showing up and playing a game," Cassard said.

In his fourth year at Zachary High, Cassard has proudly shared the title of 4A State Champions with his Broncos for the past three years. Prior to ZHS, Cassard led the Barbe High baseball team to a 5A state champ title.

In addition to championship titles, Cassard has received many LSWA, LBCA, All Metro and District coach of the year awards.

Though he has enjoyed his success and is eternally grateful for it, Cassard says it's important to never be satisfied or get complacent - both in life and on the field. "There will always be someone out there trying to better you or catch you," he said.

Setting goals and having a vision is his number one key to success on the field and in life. A vision has drive, he says, and is created in your mind with purpose. "I've accomplished my five-year plan in three years, it's time now to set new goals," Cassard said.

Passion and energy are next on the list for Cassard. People are either energy givers or takers, he says. "If you love what you do and do what you love, the passion and energy will be there," said the husband and father of two sons. "If our players or coaches don't have enthusiasm, I don't want them around," he added.

Cassard's personal philosophies on life mirror his keys to running a successful program at ZHS. He also views motivating players, overcoming adversity, a lot of hard work and community service as being crucial to success. In fact, he requires his players to not only perform many hours of community service every year, but to also visit Shriner's Hospital and St. Jude's; play benefit games that raise awareness for breast cancer; and to offer their assistance during disaster recovery efforts.

"In life and in baseball, when a person can give back and do something without expecting something in return, they are on the right track," said Cassard.

Lastly, Cassard added that the ability to change, stay on the cutting edge, be extraordinary on and off the field, and to stay positive rounded out his perspectives and hopefully enforced in his players winning attitudes.