The Sénart Templiers return to action in 2024 with a much more measured mindset. Never far from the top, each season shows that things could have easily gone differently. Meet the team’s new general manager: Julien Brelle-Andrade
BTVF: Regarding the new regulations, how do you position yourself?
First, we anticipated the regulations that would be mandatory this year. Our training school allows us to have U15s moving up to D2 and U18s moving up to D1. These are players we get used to high-level play early on and who aren’t afraid to step up to D2 and D1. Our U15s performed well last year. It’s just a shame we don’t have a strong U18 championship in the league and in France. So, we find ourselves with a team in continuity with a bit more JFL than last year.
BTVF: Who are the pillars of the Division 1 team?
Felix Brown, always present, Hvrytishvili Heorhii, a Ukrainian pitcher and player. These are very present players, very good hitters, with a lot of experience, capable of mentoring the young newcomers. In addition to these 2 leaders who were already part of the team last year, we’ve recruited 3 other players to positions where we still had some needs. We weren’t complete, so we have a pitcher who will come reinforce our bullpen, a utility player who will reinforce the infield and is also capable of pitching, and a Japanese catcher, Yodai Nakamura, who played in the German championship.
BTVF: Would you prefer two matches on Sunday or one each day of the weekend?
In Sénart, we often propose both matches, especially since we have a lit field that allows us to play in the evening on Saturday. We’re aware that attracting an audience on Sunday morning at 11 AM is complicated. If we want to develop our sport, a match at 5 PM or 7 PM on Saturday and another at 2:30 PM on Sunday is perfect for having the maximum number of spectators. Of course, this requires more organization for the volunteers and is also more time-consuming for the players. In Europe, we also see series of three matches with Friday evening added.
BTVF: What do you think of this system with 8 teams and no pools?
It’s a good thing because it’s important for all teams to face each other because with pools, we see that there are always imbalances. Pools are formed based on the previous year’s results. Teams evolve, and in the past, we’ve seen some pools with 3 teams at a very high level, unfortunately leaving one out who deserved a spot in the playoffs. At least with a single pool, we’re sure that the 4 teams that will reach the playoffs are truly the ones who deserve it. Of course, this levels the playing field and leaves less chance for the different teams to stay up. It’s true that woe betide the team that finishes last and is directly relegated to Division 2. For 5 years and every year, there has been a major change in the rules of this championship. It would be good for it to stabilize so that spectators and players can project themselves.
BTVF: How will the coaching of the first team go this year?
I am appointed to the position of general manager, I will handle the organization, logistics of travel, and general coordination. I want to put the players in good conditions. On the field, I have promoted Jamel Boutagra from D2 to D1. He will therefore be in charge of coaching the team, and as he knows the players well, it will be a real ease for him to lead this team. He is the right person to manage this new team profile with the JFL regulations.
BTVF: Are there any teams that scare you this year?
Rouen had a rough year last year, which was unusual. On our side, we were close to playing in the final, and in our history, it’s true that we’ve had the opportunity to play several finals. We were really close, it was the case during our first final in the club’s history in 2007, no one expected us in the final and then we found ourselves leading in the 5th game of the final against Rouen. No particular concern.
BTVF: What are your goals for this season?
This year, as the team’s profile has changed, the goal is different. It is to reach the playoffs, which we have succeeded in doing 18 times out of the last 19 seasons, so that remains our main objective. After that, we know that Rouen will be strong this year and will be part of the final four. There are many other teams used to playing in the playoffs who will also be there at the top of the table, so it’s up to us to carve out a path. We’ll see if the announced signings are up to expectations. We’ll find out very quickly since we start our first matchday in Rouen. It’s a big test.
