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By Casey Roberts

Contributing Writer

 

A new chapter is beginning for Lincoln County baseball, led by a coach well-versed in discipline, perseverance, and the fundamentals of building a program from the ground up.

Trent Shumate, a Louisville native and full-time parachute rigger with the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, is entering his first season as head coach of the Patriots. With 19 years of military service and a decorated playing background — including stints at powerhouse PRP under legendary coach Bill Miller and at Cumberland University under NAIA’s all-time winningest coach Woody Hunt — Shumate brings a wealth of leadership experience and a passion for transforming the culture of the Patriots baseball program.

“Lincoln baseball hasn’t had a ton of success, and that’s what intrigued me most about this job,” Shumate said. “I wanted to come in and build a program that can sustain success. We’re going to compete and not back down from anyone.”

The Patriots finished 13-16 last season and struggled in district play. Shumate’s first order of business: change the mindset.

“We’ll play aggressive and with a chip on our shoulders,” he said. “Our mentality will be ‘hit me the ball, and I’ll make the play.’ We’re going to believe we belong, and when that happens, real growth will come.”

Offensively, the Patriots return a strong core of experienced bats. Veterans Sawyer Robbins, Tucker Foster, Brennin Hazlett, Trevor Vest and Grady Foster will anchor the lineup, and Shumate is counting on their leadership.

“They’re huge for us,” he said. “They’re helping coach up the younger guys and have been very receptive to making changes to improve their game.”

On the mound, Lincoln will feature a mix of youth and experience. Foster will serve as the team’s ace, followed by Caleb Carrier and freshman Jackson Jenkins. Several arms — including Vest, Hazlett, Landon Smith and Robbins — are expected to contribute in relief.

“Jackson’s having to grow up fast, but he’s handling it like a champ,” Shumate said. “He’s got the drive and the tools — now it’s about building his confidence in varsity games.”

The junior class has taken ownership of the team’s direction.

“They’re setting the standard,” Shumate said. “They’re hungry and putting in the work.”

While the on-field goals are high, Shumate is equally focused on building a program rooted in accountability and resilience — values he says will prepare players for life beyond the diamond.

“This will be a blue-collar program,” he said. “My job is to help these guys become the best

student, person, and player they can be. That takes commitment.”

Shumate has set both short- and long-term goals for the program. In the near term, he wants to surpass the school’s single-season win record of 21. But ultimately, he has his eyes on something bigger.

“I go into every game with the mindset that we can win,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to win a state championship. It won’t happen overnight, but it’s obtainable if we keep working.”

That vision includes community involvement and a focus on developing the youth pipeline.

 

“We’ve already started working with our middle school players,” Shumate said. “After this season, I plan to start working with the youth baseball program too. It’s about building something that lasts.”

With a gritty mindset, strong leadership, and a coach committed to growth, the Lincoln County Patriots are ready to fight for their place among the best in the region.