The Wiscasset Wolverines have new coaches leading the baseball and softball teams onto the diamonds this spring. Boothbay native Gordon Campbell is the new varsity softball coach and Brunswick native Gregg Wood is the varsity baseball team’s new skipper.

Both coaches have previous experience coaching players on this spring’s rosters. Campbell, 50, spent the past four years coaching the middle school team. So he is familiar with several returning team members.

“I coached these girls growing up. I’ve taken pride in watching them improve and I’m anxious for the new season to start,” Campbell said.

The softball team has five returning players from last year. Campbell watched his daughter, Corey, play on last year’s team. So he already knows about the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Last year’s team struggled in Mountain Valley Conference play. So Campbell wants to instill early-season confidence in his players and a willingness to battle until the final out.

“My biggest goal is changing the attitude,” he said. “Many times last year the team believed they’d only play five innings due to the mercy rule. This year I want them to take the field intent on playing the full seven innings.”

The team also benefited from a preseason clinic. Former coach Clare Daniels conducted the clinic to prepare players for the upcoming season.

“I think it will be a big help because it usually take a few weeks to get the rust out,” Campbell said.

The season will be a family affair for the Campbell clan. Coach Campbell’s assistant is his daughter Hannah Campbell, a former Wiscasset softball player. She played college softball for one season at Southern Maine Community College in Portland.

This year’s new baseball coach has served several years coaching the local Babe Ruth team and last fall coached a Wiscasset team in a fall league. Wood, 57, is a former high school catcher. His son played on last year’s team.

The new coach believes if his team improves their fundamentals it can result in more wins this season.

“Just knowing the mental aspects of the game is important It’s often the difference between winning and losing,” said Wood.

Wood believes his familiarity with the returning players will result in a smooth transition for the team.

“I like coaching and I’ve coached most of the players,” he said. “So it will be relatively easy for me to know their strengths and weaknesses. So, we should start out way ahead of the curve.”

Both teams began preseason workouts on March 21. Both begin the regular season hosting Boothbay Region on April 22.