Hope springs eternal for area teams as the 2010 high school baseball season gets underway for squads in the Mirror's coverage realm this week.
Altoona coach Tom Smith begins his ninth season at the Mountain Lions' helm with six returning starters in camp and expectations for a very competitive showing from his team in the Central Penn League.
Hollidaysburg, led by seasoned pitchers Jake Weibley and Nathan Pope, is also looking for steady progress and success this season under 12th-year coach Jon Szynal.
Article Photos
Mirror file photo by Gary M. Baranec
C.J. Gahagan will be back on the mound for Central this season.
Bellwood-Antis has a solid nucleus of six starters returning from last season's team that won 16 games under coach Steve Conlon, and Bishop Guilfoyle returns five starters, giving Marauders coach Bill Wolf legitimate hopes for optimism.
Central has eight returning starters back for coach A.J. Hoenstine, whose Scarlet Dragons harbor goals of winning the Mountain League and District 6-AA championships.
Central Cambria returns eight starters and fosters District 6-AA title hopes, and Claysburg-Kimmel returns six starters and holds hopes of making the District 6-A playoffs.
In District 5, Northern Bedford returns seven starters from last year's 15-win team, and Black Panthers coach Scott Burda thinks this year's squad has legitimate district championship hopes.
Veteran Portage coach Larry McCabe begins his 32nd season with an eye on his Mustangs winning the WestPAC championship this season.
A team-by-team overview follows:
Altoona
Coach: Tom Smith, ninth year
Career record: 63-81
League: Central Penn
Last year's record: 8-10
Returning starters: K.J. Walters, sr., c; Josh Adams, sr., inf.; J.R. Gearhart, sr., of; Jordan Sneed, jr., inf.; Matt McDonald, jr., of-p; Christian Helsel, so., inf-p
Other returnees: Will Walter, sr., c; Craig McCloskey, jr. of-p; Trevor Bush, jr.-of; Nate Clancy, jr. inf.; Scott Lytle, jr., of-p; Matt Frederick, jr., inf.-p.
Newcomers: Bryant Ketrow, sr., inf.; Cody Henderson, jr., inf.; Mac Watson, jr., c; Tyson Steele, jr., of
Strengths: "We seem to have good depth at most of our positions. We also have a lot of varsity experience."
Concerns: "Getting quality innings from our pitching staff during a tough early schedule."
Overall outlook: "If our pitching comes together, I feel that we should see some good results. I would expect us to be very competitive."
Assistants: Jim Lowe, Jake Hargreaves, Troy Pincherri
Bedford
Coach: Scott Waugerman, seventh year
Career record: 62-57
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 9-8
Returning starters: Brian Gibbons, 3b; Garrett Leydig, p; Marcus Shippey, 1b; Ryan Salt, of; Ryan Schnably, ss; Caleb Stickel, of; James Yocklovich, c.
Other returnees: Jordan Deasy, inf; Sean Leister, of; Tanner Wilson, 2b
Newcomers: Ian Housel, p; Ryan Robinette, p-inf
Strengths: "We have some returning starters who should provide us with game experience.''
Concerns: "The Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference has some talented teams that will push us to be at our best every game.''
Assistant coaches: Gary Dudukovich, Gary Waugerman, Ron Springer, Lee Roy
bellwood-antis
Coach: Steve Conlon, eighth year
Career record: 73-67
League: ICC North Division
Last year's record: 16-5 (14-2 league)
Returning starters: Michael Albright, sr., c; Jared Coho, sr., 2b; Zach Dionis, sr., of; Cody Krepps, jr., ss, p; Garrett Lender, jr., of, 1b-p; Nate Plummer, sr., utility, p
Other returnees: Kyle DeGennaro, sr., 1b-of; Cameron Huff, sr., 3b, of; Tobias Patterson, jr., of
Newcomers: Tyler Beech, jr., 3b, p; Derek Denny, jr., of, p; Alex Dionis, so., inf; Jeremy Isenberg, sr., of; Eric Miller, jr., 3b, of; Ryan Stuby, so., inf.
Strengths: "We return a very solid infield group, along with strong starting pitching and a two-year starter at catcher.''
Concerns: "Our depth at each position.''
Overall outlook: "We are looking forward to having a competitive season.''
Assistant coaches: Andy DeArmitt, Justin Kobuck, Chris Miller, Tom Partner, Adam Plummer
Bishop carroll
Coach: Matt Pfeil, third year
Career record: 4-23
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 2-11
Returning starters: Nick Moriconi, sr., p-1b; Josh King, jr.. p-inf; Nick Lassak, jr., p-inf; Dylan Link, jr., inf; Taylor Makin, jr., c; Drew McCabe, jr., p-2b; Ryan Woo, jr., p-of
Other returnees: Josh Dumm, sr., inf; Blaise Lanzendorfer, sr., p-1b; Andrew Matejczyk, jr., inf; Joseph Nazarak, jr., of/2b; Luke Tatarko, jr., inf./of; Josh Barzdo, soph., of-p-c; Nick Maruca, soph., 3b-of; Adam Mervine, soph., inf; Jeff Vasilko, soph., c-1b
Newcomers: Ryan Lauer, soph. 1b; Tyler Strong, soph., 1b; Ryan Caretti, fr., p-inf-of; Matthew Deskevich, fr., inf; Zachary Farabaugh, fr., inf; Brett Sammarco, fr., inf./of
Strengths: "We have a strong nucleus - with seven returning starters.''
Concerns: "A solid group returns from last year's team, but overall depth is a concern.''
Overall outlook: "The coaching staff is impressed with the team's willingness to work and their approach to the game. After taking their lumps the previous two seasons, the Huskies should be prepared enough to move into contention in what is a talented and balanced Laurel Highlands Conference.''
Assistant coaches: Casey Long, Fred McCabe, Dave Huey, Paul Pentz, Jamie Eckenrode
Bg catholic
Coach: Bill Wolf, fourth year
Career record: 26-27
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 3-12
Returning starters: Tony Zelnosky, sr., 2b; Bill Beard, sr., p-1b-of; Huey Ehredt, sr., p-3b; A.J. Kitt, sr., c-of; Dallas Reilly, sr., p-ss
Other returnees: Evan Creppage, jr., of; Skylar Kephart, sr., p-inf.; James Sweeney, jr., of; Nate Sanders, jr., c-p; Matt Weigand, jr., 2b; Tyler Adams, jr., 1b-of
Newcomers: Stefan Beard, so., inf.-p; Jared Keller, so., inf.-of; Jextin Pugh, fr., 1b-p; Marcus Wolf, fr., inf.
Strengths: "Experience, we have a lot of kids who played last year."
Concerns: "The weather. We need to learn how to do all the little things it takes to win games."
Overall outlook: "We have the players to be a pretty good team."
Assistant coaches: Steve Webster, Steve Sauers, Steve Trexler, Brian Kelley, Dale Rogers
Cambria Heights
Coach: Tony Kline, fifth year
Career record: 24-45
Last year's record: 4-11
Returning starters: Ian Olsavsky, sr., of-c-p; Bryce Brawley, jr., utl-p; Brandon Crawford, jr., inf.-p; Tyler Thomas, jr., of-2b-p; Caleb Vescovi, jr., 1b-c-p
Other returnees: Shane Mallin, jr., 1b-p; Jordan Caporuscio, jr., 3b-p; Dean Rogal, jr., 3b-of; Jake Beach, so., 1b; Drew Hollern, so., of-2b; Ross Inzana, of-1b-c
Newcomers: Matt Blake, so.; Nathan Bearer, fr.; Andrew Brawley, fr.; Dom Milanesi, fr.; Tyler Crawford, fr.; Donny Contorchick, fr.; Ben Meyers, fr.; Taylor O'Hara, fr.; Alex Eckenrode, fr.; Cody Anna, fr.; David Woods, fr.; Nathan Bradley. fr.; Brad Hoppel, fr.; Eric Malloy, fr.; Cameron Miller, fr.; Kenny Cunningham, fr.
Strengths: "Pitching depth and a solid group of underclassmen."
Concerns: "Youth and inexperience in certain positions."
Overall outlook: "Improvement throughout the season with the goal of making the district playoffs."
Assistant coaches: Drew Thomas, Rich Wieworia, Garrett Thomas
central
Coach: A.J. Hoenstine, fourth year
Career record: 36-23
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 13-9 (11-8 in ML)
Returning starters: Nate Reid, sr., c; Ryan Slagenweit, sr., cf; Casey Hamilton, sr., 2b; Jordon Saylor, sr., ss-p; C.J. Gahagan, sr., p-1b; Pat Schon, jr., lf; Trent Forshey, jr., dh; Jared Baird, jr., p
Other returnees: Dustin Brooks, sr., dh-3b; Matt Reed, sr., p; Lucas Blattenberger, jr., 1b; Eric Keefer, jr., of; Tyler Ferguson, jr., p.
Newcomers: Dalton Hoey, sr., p-inf.; Wes Smith, jr., 2b; Shaffer Johnson, jr., 3b; Brandon Negley, so., inf.-of; Logan Stern, so., inf.; Kadden Smith, so., of; Cole Kreder, fr., ss; Kasy Hamm, fr. p
Strengths: "We have two workhorse pitchers back in Baird and Gahagan and some other guys that can give us some innings. Guys have been taking good approaches at the plate thus far, and we should be able to score some runs."
Concerns: "We need to stay healthy and play good defense."
Overall outlook: "We have a lot of competition for some spots. We will get better as the season progresses, and if we play the game the right way and get good leadership from our upperclassmen. We should compete for the league and district championship."
Assistant coaches: Reggie Nevins, Robbie Keith (assistants), Jerry Albright (floater), Paul Frederick (jr. high).
Central Cambria
Coach: Dave Moore, sixth year
Career record: 42-51
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 6-11 (6-8 in LHAC)
Returning starters: Mario DeYulis, sr., of-p; Luke Trotz, sr., inf.-p; Ben Monito, sr., of-p; Jonathan Ostinowsky, sr., inf.-p; Billy Kyper, sr., inf.-p; Scott McHugh, sr., inf.; Gordon Barr, jr., p-inf.; Nate Strom, sr., inf.-c
Other returnee: Logan Bodenschatz, sr., inf.-of
Newcomers: Heath Wirfel, jr., of; Mitchell Brown, jr., inf.-of; Nick Wissinger, jr., of; Zach Rodkey, jr., of; Zack Ambrisco, jr., inf.-p
Strengths: "This is a strong core of seniors returning with some varsity experience. They have shown great leadership for the underclassmen and have had a great work ethic. We also have a large group of pitchers returning which is always a big positive for any team."
Concerns: "Our biggest concern is not being able to practice on our field yet with opening day fast approaching."
Overall outlooks: "As a staff we believe our team can be extremely successful this season. We have many returning players who have experience from last season. Our goals are the same every season which are to compete for a LHAC title and district title."
Assistant coaches: Clinton Gochnour, John Dziack, Perry Damin, Joe Klezek
Chestnut ridge
Coach: Jim Skiles, 13th year
Career record: 125-115
League: Sideling Hill
Returning starters: Adam Musselman, sr., inf.-p; Tyler Rush, sr., of; Luke Wiley, jr., of; Shane Duppstadt, jr., of-p; Bryce Miller, jr., inf.-p; Jud Bussard, jr., inf.-p; Nik Dumin, jr., inf.-p
Other returnees: Josh Grove, sr., Jordan Diehl, sr., Tommy Fleegle, sr.; Matt Amick, jr.; Michael Leed, jr.; Jonathan Ressler, jr.; Kaleb Mock, jr.
Newcomers: Josh Brown, sr.; Ryan Dull, so.; Josh Corle, so.; Justin Heming, so.; Anthony Montreal, so.; Logan Corle, so.; Brad Hengst, so.; Victor Heath, so.; Steven Rhodes, so.
Strengths: "Work ethic and a good attitude."
Concerns: "Experience and pitching."
Overall outlook: "We are hoping to learn from the last two difficult seasons and once again become a contender for the league and district honors."
Claysburg-Kimmel
Coach: Justin Harris, third year
Career record: 17-16
League: ICC North
Last year's record: 9-9
Returning starters: Dalton Treon, sr., p-3b; Lukas Diehl, sr., of; Ben Eberhart, sr., 3b; Christian Lamont, sr., of; Kyle Pozgar, sr., of; Tyler Ickes, soph., ss.
Other returnees: Ben Dodson, sr., of; Zach Burkett, jr., 3b
Newcomers: Jimmy Coho, sr., c; Darren Musselman, sr., of; David Tremmel, sr., 3b; Dalton Harr, soph., of; Jared Ickes, soph., of; Ethan Miller, soph., 2b; Trey Claar, fr., 1b; Cameron Strayer, fr., p, inf.
Strengths: "Experience - we return six starters from last year's team.''
Concerns: "Pitching - we have only one player who has varsity pitching experience.''
Overall outlook: "I expect us to be very competitive in every game this year, and to make the playoffs.''
Assistant coaches: Tim Oakes, Eric Claar
Everett
Coach: Mike Kline, ninth year
Career record: 105-58
League: ICC South, Sideling Hill
Last year's record: 10-9 (9-6 Sideling Hill)
Returning starters: Levi Grimes, sr.; Logan Lemin, sr.; Jacob Francis, sr.; Tyler Morral, jr.; Dave Bollman, jr.; Nick Martin, so.
Other returnees: Austin Spade, sr.; Strett Ryan, sr.; Jordan Mills, jr.
Newcomers: Andrew Pittman, so.; Dave Sciranko, so.; Jordan Mowrey, so.; Evan Woy, so.; Kyle Droz, fr.; Dylan Foor, fr.; Zack Jays, fr.; Jake Stover, fr.
Strengths: "We have more depth than past years. Also the players have had a great work ethic coming in this year."
Concerns: "Inexperience at the varsity level, especially on the mound. Need to see someone step up, take control and want the ball in big games."
Overall outlook: "Very positive and looking to be very competitive in each game. Will expect to see a lot of growth in our younger players."
Assistant coaches: James Eichelberger, Les Lepako, Kyle Elbin, Travis Klahre, Cary Ligenfelter, Scott Stover, Jim Pittman
Glendale
Coach: Mark Queen, second year
Career record: 4-12
League: ICC North
Last year's record: 4-12
Returning starters: Brad O'Donnell, sr., p-of; Bob Ivory, sr., p-cf; Gregg Katishen, sr., 2b-p; Dustin Shaffer, sr., c-p; Ethan Cree, jr., p-1b-3b; Mitchell Gedman, so., inf.-c
Other returnees: Matt Mencer, jr., 2b-of; Tyler Gardner, jr., 3b-of; Dillon Spencer, jr., of; Zarek Evansky, so., ss; Jarid Ivory, so., of-c; Michael Wigfield, so., p-of-c; Billy Sanders, so., 2b-of; Tim Sutton, so., of
Newcomers: Justin Kephart, fr., p-of-3b
Strengths: "Fourteen returning players."
Concerns: "A young team."
Overall outlook: "Improve on last year."
Assistant coaches: Tyler Noel, Jeffrey R. Custer, Jeff Smithbower
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Jon Szynal, 15th year
Career record: 121-134 (96-109 in 11 years at Hollidaysburg, 25-25 in four years at Penn Cambria)
League: Central Penn
Record: 11-7 (5-1 in CPL)
Returning starters: Sidd Amirneni, sr., 1b; Nathan Pope, jr., ss-p; Brandon Simpson, sr., p-inf.; Jake Weibley, sr., of-p
Other returnees: Jeff Donovan, sr., inf.; Colin Greenleaf, sr., c; Zach Fagans, sr., of
Newcomers: Kenny Ritchey, sr., p-of; Tyler Hennessey, jr., of; Caden Terchanik, jr., of; Colin Grigg, jr., inf.; Brandon Porta, jr., of; Luke Rhodes, jr., of; Joel Redfoot, jr., inf.; Aaron Burger, so., inf.; Nathan DeProspo, so., inf.; Chris Storm, so., inf.; Jordan Baum, so., inf.-p; Ian Ford, so., inf.-p; Brandon Gallagher, so., of-p
Strengths: "Good work ethic, two returning starting pitchers, willingness to learn."
Concerns: "Inexperienced at certain positions, adapting to the varsity level."
Overall outlook: "Gain experience early on, compete in every game, play as a team, get better as the season goes on."
Assistant coaches: Jeff Miller, Chad Swogger, Ben Layton, Jarrod Klausman, Dick Smith
Huntingdon
Coach: Brian Pelka, first year at Huntingdon, third overall
Career record: 25-16
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 6-12
Returning starters: Matt Stewart, sr., 1b; Scott Minor, sr., of-p; Nathan Betts, sr., inf.; Nathan Mykut, sr., of; Bobby Colten, sr. p-of
Newcomers: Brian McCarthy, jr., utl.
Strengths: "Senior experience."
Concerns: "Defense."
Overall outlook: "We play a very competitive schedule. Hopefully we continue to improve as the season progresses."
Assistant coaches: Ken Sowers, Tim Strait, Pat Hurley, Pete Mykut, Matt Young, Alex Waleski
Juniata valley
Coach: Bill Peters, 13 years
Career record: 103-105
League: ICC North
Last year's record: 8-9 (6-4 ICC North)
Returning starters: Tyler Lalli, sr., p-2b; Shawn McCrum, sr., p-1b; Seth Carper, jr., c-p; Rick Musser, jr., 3b; Cody Patterson, jr., c-of; Jordan Pearson, jr., p-of; Ethan Morrison, so., ss; David Ormsby, so., p-of
Other returnees: Trenton Brown, so., of; Billy Edmiston, so., p-of; Mason Varner, so., of; Nick Watson, so., p-inf.
Newcomers: Wyatt Belinda, fr., inf.; Jake Claar, fr., of; Derek Green, fr., inf.-p; Chris Itinger, fr., of; Johnny Johnson, fr., p-of; Ryan Norris, fr., inf.-p; Tanner Perow, fr., p-inf.; Troy Singer, fr., inf.
Strengths: "Infield and pitching."
Concerns: "Outfield."
Overall outlook: "Compete for league title."
Assistant coach: Don Price
Moshannon valley
Coach: Justin Fye, second year
Career record: 3-15
League: ICC North, Moshannon Valley League
Last year's record: 3-15 (1-14 ICC North), (2-5 in MVL)
Returning starters: Bryan Love, sr., of-p; Brandon Love, sr., 1b-c; Kevin Bacher, sr., 1b; Jarrod Bennett, sr., of; Chris Davis, sr., of; Bobby Gallagher, jr., ss; Trevor Coleman, jr., p-1b-3b; Grant Stewart, jr., 3b-p; Cody Harsumchuck, jr., 2b; Chris Kephart, so., 2b-ss; Zach Jazper, so., c; Derek Southern, so., of-c
Newcomers: Eric Gmerek, sr., 2b; Shane Evans, so., of; Dylan Jarrett, so., inf.; James Stodart, fr., 1b-p; James McHugh, fr., 2b-p; Zach Diamond, fr., p-3b
Strengths: "We have a lot of letter winners returning. I look for our starting pitching to be strong."
Concerns: "Our outfield could have two or three new starters. We also need more men on base and to stay confident at the plate."
Overall outlook: "I am challenging them this year. I have challenged them to win more games than last year. I want them to prove to me what they are made of. I have a good core of guys."
Assistant coaches: Jim Hawkins, Gomer Hahn, Derik Eckenrode, Paul Keith
Northern bedford
Coach: Scott Burda, sixth year
Career record: 84-31
League: ICC South
Last year's record: 15-8 (10-6 ICC South, Sideling Hill)
Returning starters: Joe Risbon, sr., p-of; Justin Litzenberger, sr., inf.; Alex Corle, jr., inf.; Daniel Sollenberger, jr., of; Joel Suter, jr., of; Logan Fluke, so., p-of-nf.; Jake Stern, so., inf.-p
Other returnees: Andrew Johnson, sr., of; Ross Hershberger, jr., inf.; Brandyn Replogle, jr., of; Cory Furry, so., c
Newcomers: Brendan Ebersole, so., inf.; William Kline, so., of; Brandon Oswalt, so., of; Tyler Petrou, so., inf.; Matt Sollenberger, so., of-c; Eric Grace, fr., p-inf.
Strengths: "Pitching depth."
Concerns: "Consistency at the plate."
Overall outlook: "We have a strong nucleus returning from last season, but we will need several of our underclassmen to step up into starting roles and produce. Our goals are to contend for a league and district title."
Assistant coaches: Dave McIlnay, Shane Suter, Brian Frederick, Corey Reffner, Todd England
penn cambria
Coach: James Poldiak, first year
Career record: 0-0
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 3-13 (2-7 LHAC)
Returning starters: Nick Myers, sr., p; Pat Myers, sr., inf.; Cory Link, sr., inf.; Mike Kearney, jr., of; Shane Heartline, jr., p-inf.; Alex Pettenati, jr., p; Anthony Guzic, jr., p; Jordan Fuller, so., p
Other returnees: Mike Conrad, sr.; Adam Eckenrode, sr.; Jeff Graboski, sr.; Roy Miller, jr.; Evan Bitner, so.; Jordan Conrad, so.; Cody Coudriet, so.; Jonathan Hite, so.; Joel Myers, so.; Justin Myers, so.
Newcomers: Brendon Eckenrode, fr.; Justin Fuller, fr.; Nick Geisbrecht, fr.; Simon Itle, fr.; Devin Lawhead, fr.; Anthony Leahey, fr.; Josh Nadolsky, fr.; Nathan Przybys, fr.; Jake Schwaderer, fr.; Josh Vinglish, fr.
Strengths: "Attitude, hard working, pitching."
Concerns: "Youth and depth."
Overall outlook: "Be competitive in the Laurel Highlands, be fundamentally sound, change the attitude or outlook of the program."
Assistant coaches: Sean Davison, Dom Ricupero
Philipsburg-osceola
Coach: Doug Sankey, 13th year
Career record: 167-96
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 10-10
Returning starters: Zack Czap, c; Mike Marcinko, 2b-ss; Drew Bryan, 2b-ss; Cody Doran, lf; Luke Curtis, p; Brandon Myers, of-p; Tom Cheskey, cf; Hayden Hayward, 3b
Newcomers: Brett Hutton, 1b; Coltyn Wrye, p-1b; Robbie Smith, c; Parker Watson, p; Parker Watson, p; Buddy Jones, 3b-p; Tyler Arnold, of; Alan Mills, of
Strengths: "Experience with eight returning starters, Luke Curtis, one of the top pitchers in the area and Zack Czap a four-year starter at catcher."
Concerns: "Pitching depth."
Overall outlook: "Good, we should be competitive."
Portage
Coach: Larry McCabe, 32nd year
League: WestPAC North
Last year's record: 14-5 (10-2 in WestPAC North)
Returning starters: Mike Sinosky, p-c; Taylor Swires, p-of; Andrew J. Maul, ss; Scott Nolan, c-of; Ryan Scoran, 2b; Zak Petrunak, cf; Andrew D. Maul, p-3b.
Other returnees: Mike Pecola, 1b; Scott Leydig, c; Spencer Price, of; Tyler Nesbella, of; Jake Bryja, p-1b; Jeremy Piatak, 3b.
Newcomers: Evan Price, inf.; Tom McCabe, 1b; Jesse Kreutzberger, c-of
Strengths: "Returning players as some are three-year starters."
Concerns: "Team pitching, team hitting."
Overall outlook: "Set goal of reaching conference championship and qualifying for the District 6 playoffs."
Assistant coaches: Josh Burkett, Jason Grassi, Travis Kargo, Terry Claar, Jared Bilchak
Tussey Mountain
Coach: Rob Reed, fifth year
Career record: 46-35
League: Sideling Hill League, ICC South
Last year's record: 16-4 (13-2 Sideling Hill, 11-1 ICC South)
Returning starters: Mark Brown, sr., lf; Dane Diehl, sr., cf; Elliott Chamberlain, jr., ss, p; Jordan DeLuca, jr., rf; Zach Morrow, sr., c-p; Presley Swope, so., ss, 2b, p
Other returnees: Justin Eichelberger, jr., inf; Dylan Fields, jr., 3b; Ryan Garner, sr., of; Nate Pembrooke, jr., of; Mitchell Rickabaugh, jr., 1b
Newcomers: Shad Brumbaugh, fr., c,; Josh Corbin so., of; Patrick Gorey, jr., of; Brady Hoey, jr., of; Eric Husick, fr. inf. of; Jake Kaiser, sr., of; Michael Runk, fr., inf., of; Kyle Sheeder, jr., of; Zach Sosak, sr., of; Deric Williams, sr., of
Strengths: "Along with our work ethic and senior leadership, we're returning all three starting outfielders from last year, and we're solid at the catching position.''
Concerns: "Setting our infield defense, finding depth at all positions, and pitching.''
Overall outlook: "We return a solid core of starters, and if we can can fill some holes in the infield and our pitching rotation, we could become stronger as the season progresses.''
Assistant coaches: Dave Leonard, Kevin Reed (varsity); Les Chamberlain, Kasey Kuhns, Matt McCahan, Zach Treece (junior high)
Tyrone
Coach: Mark Savino, first year
Career record: 0-0
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 4-16
Returning starters: Beau Patton, sr., lf; Jordan Taylor, sr., c; Austin Barefoot, sr., p; Eric Desch, sr., 1b-p; Jordan Faretta, jr., 2b; Jared Templeton, jr., 1b-p; Korry Cowher, jr., ss; Markus Wagner, so., cf
Other returnees: Trevor Jackson, jr., p; J.D. Dorminy, so., 3b-rf; Ian Murray, jr., rf-c
Newcomers: Derick Reese, sr., rf; John Kimberling, jr., 1b
Strengths: "I believe that speed will play a role in how successful this team can be. It is hard to assess this though as we have been restricted to indoor activities."
Concerns: "My concern is simply the mental game. We need to learn and know we can win in this very competitive Mountain League. There are excellent coaches and teams in this league."
Overall outlook: "Simply to make some memories and have some fun while competing at our best ability."
Assistant coaches: Scott Gummo, Marvin Murray
Williamsburg
Coach: Micah Lingenfelter, seventh year
Career record: 20-75
League: ICC North
Last year's record: 5-12 (5-10 ICC North)
Returning starters: Corey Miller, sr., 1b-p-of; Casey Grove, jr., of; Trent Lee, jr., inf.-p; Chad Wheland, so., c-inf.
Other returnees: Allen McCall, sr., of; Ryan Auberzinski, sr., 1b
Newcomers: Cody Prough, sr., inf.; Josh Kifer, sr., of; Dylan Barroner, jr., inf.; Michael McCall, so., inf.-p; Dalton Price, so., c-inf.-p; Adam Wheland, fr., inf.-p
Strengths: "Solid nucleus, have some winning experience."
Concerns: "Pitching inexperience, overall inexperience, injuries, depth."
Overall outlook: "No idea really. We had four experienced pitchers returning. To start the season, we will be missing all four, with two possibly returning later. The season will be what the players decide they want to get out of it."
Assistant coaches: Thad White, Brady Appleman
