Norman North’s Charles Copus
Norman North High School catcher Charles Copus has emerged as a steadying presence behind the plate, a vocal leader whose energy and poise help set the tone for the Timberwolves’ varsity baseball team. Whether he is guiding a pitcher through a tense inning or feeding off the dugout’s noise in a tight game, Copus sees his role as being at the center of the team’s heartbeat.
Copus said his biggest jump coming into the new season has been learning how to control the game from the catcher position, from tempo to pitch selection. He focuses on reading hitters, guiding his pitchers through tough spots and making sure his teammates stay locked in when the pressure rises.
He added that the toughest part of catching is understanding each pitcher’s tendencies: how they think, react and what they need in big moments. Balancing that with keeping them composed when their mindset slips has become a central part of his job.
Copus credits the Norman North dugout for creating an atmosphere that keeps him loose and confident on the field. He said his teammates bring a contagious energy, constantly joking around and keeping things light, which puts him in the right mindset every time he steps onto the diamond.
He pointed to teammate Ty Lashbrook as the loudest voice in the dugout, the one he can always hear from the batter’s box and called Porter Smith one of the funniest guys he knows for constantly cracking jokes and keeping everyone relaxed.
Both of Copus’ parents are central to his motivation, and he said they inspire him to be not just the best athlete he can be but the best person as well. Away from the field, he enjoys the challenge of AP English, where teacher Ms. Atkinson makes difficult material easier to understand while still keeping class fun.
Athletics, he said, has taught him how to work as a unit toward a shared goal, something far bigger than what any one person could accomplish alone. That perspective shapes how he approaches his role as a leader and teammate.
Copus’ favorite baseball memory came during his sophomore year, when Norman North walked off Southmoore in an 11-inning thriller and he celebrated with his teammates after the marathon win. Away from competition, he likes to relax by hanging out and playing 2K with friends, using the time to unwind, compete and have fun off the field.
