Levi Ashmore is the new head coach for the IHS baseball team.
The longtime baseball aficionado has taken many steps throughout his career both on the playing field and in the dugout as a coach to take on the responsiblity. His days at Iola High School, 2009-2013, included a shot at a state championship.
That senior season, the Mustangs were undefeated going into the state championship game before falling to Topeka-Hayden. Ashmore’s two younger brothers, Blake and Noah, also played for Iola when they, too, went to the state championship.
“I was born and raised here. Coach Mark Percy started the program when I was in middle school. I started every game for Coach Percy at shortstop and leadoff so I had a good run as a player,” said Ashmore. “In 2010, was when the program’s success started to break through.”
Ashmore went on to play at Neosho Community College before transferring to Emporia State University. After graduation, Ashmore became the assistant coach at Emporia High School.
Ashmore’s experience has helped shape his philosophy as to how to create a successful baseball team.
“I’ve always believed if the attitude is good and the effort is good, we can work on everything else,” said Ashmore.
“I just want every kid to be their best. I understand that not every kid is going to be able to do what another kid can do. We need to be able to handle adversity and control what we can control.”
With the Iola High School baseball team having a winning culture for over a decade now, there are always high expectations for the Mustangs. Ashmore hopes to take what he has learned from his previous coaches and implement the same ideas on his own team.
“We just want to be knocking on the door. We want everyone to know when you go and play Iola, it’s not going to be fun. They’re going to scratch and claw, compete and play the game the right way and if you won a game, you’re going to have earned it,” said Ashmore.
Ashmore believes that caring for his players will be the first step in ensuring everyone has fun and his teams are successful.
“I’ve always been a firm believer that if you show kids that you care about them and love them and want the best for them, they’ll do anything for you.
“I don’t want to be the coach that comes out there and rips you. I don’t want that to be my program at all. I want it to be a place they can look forward to coming to every day,” Ashmore said.
In addition to the new coaching position, Ashmore has a new career. On Tuesday, he becomes manager at Iola’s Landmark Bank.
