After a title-less year, their first in a decade, the Huskies have handed the reins to a former player who managed their second team last season, Quentin Becquey. The club’s 16th coach has a blank slate to fill and a path to victory to rediscover. Meet Quentin Becquey: “create chaos”
BTVF: Why did you accept the role of manager for the Huskies?
It’s a natural continuation of my role with the D2 team, where I prepared young players to reach the highest level. It makes sense to guide a new generation towards D1 and bridge the gap between the old and new guard. With Boris Marche, we worked hard on the goal of having real cohesion between D1 and D2, and even if things were a bit more complicated last year, I want to continue in that mindset with Mickaël Cerda, the D2 coach, and his team. We work and think alike, implementing the same project. And I know I can bring solutions and methods that will make us even more effective. I know the group; we worked hard during the off-season, built mutual trust. Either way, I wasn’t going to pass up this opportunity and responsibility when the club offered it to me.
The new recruits have arrived in France
BTVF: What are your goals?
In Rouen, the expectations are clear: win. The first target is the Challenge de France, at home, with the aim of winning it and securing a ticket to Europe, because the Huskies’ place is in Europe. Then, we’ll focus on the championship to start a new winning streak.
BTVF: What kind of coach are you?
I’m quite directive, but above all, I like things to move, to have actions, atmosphere, rhythm, and game. I want to create chaos for the opponent. My mindset is deeply influenced by North American culture: respect the game and its fundamentals. And never let up. I joined a team with great players at 16-17 who never stopped, never took bad at-bats, and kept the pressure on non-stop. That’s the Rouen culture. Go all out, to the end.
There’s a sense of a generational shift with the Huskies. How do you see it?
Even with the departures of Maxime Lefèvre and Bastien Dagneau, I wouldn’t say it’s a new team. With our captain Dylan Gleeson, Louis Branville, Hugo Blondel, we have leaders who are still young but have a solid foundation. The Huskies’ legacy is still alive.
BTVF: Can you tell us about the new recruits?
This recruitment aligns with my coaching style and the experience I gained in College. For me, that baseball is the best in terms of energy and intensity. It’s in that spirit that we went for Jack de Fries and Jalen Smith, fresh out of NCAA Division 1. Catcher Mike Blanke will bring a lot of experience. As for Jean-Christophe Masson, he could have joined the Québec Capitales, but he felt the need to take a breather after several years at a very high level. Expect to see a powerhouse hitter with a beautiful, compact swing. Finally, Chikara Igami is also very experienced, which is crucial on the mound.
BTVF: Does the new JFL rule worry you?
No. We have a D1 roster of 30 players and a D2 roster of 30 players exclusively composed of JFL. No problem for us, then, in line with our values of training and the importance of the hope pole and the academy.
BTVF: Do you like the return to an 8-team pool?
I’m fine with everyone playing against each other. The desire to tighten and increase the level appeals to me. But anyway, whatever the format, we’ll take it match by match and victory by victory. The only downside I’d put is the automatic relegation. It’s a bit tough for the club that will be affected; it can heavily impact their sports project.
BTVF: Who is the opponent you fear the most?
The Huskies. We just need to regain our ability to focus and showcase our strengths. If we play our game, no one can beat us. We know what we’re capable of.
