Pre-Season Prospectus

With 6 returning starters from a team that finished the 2007 year 25 – 27, the Warriors are eager to improve upon last years sub .500 performance. The team is lead in the field by sophomore 1 st baseman Troy Sitton who set the pace in 07, hitting .325 with 7 hr’s. Also returning from last year’s team is red shirt sophomore 1 st baseman and Designated Hitter Steve Bryant, Catcher Chase Kittinger, 3 rd baseman Justin Duhamell, and Outfielders Andrew Soldner, Lincoln Talley, and Giovanni Rivera.

Coach Etnier on the returning position players:

“We feel good about the group that we have returning from last year’s team. All of these guys with the exception of Steve got a lot of at bats last year as freshman, and will have a better idea of what to expect this time around. ”

In addition to an experienced older group, is a solid freshman class lead by Infielder Jesse Schmidt, who looks to play a major role on this year’s team. Infielders Derick Trout, Chris Geronimo, Catcher Ryan Alberter, and Outfielders Jake Allshouse, Mike Ward, and Craig Cochran should also make substantial contributions over the course of the spring.

Coach Etnier on the Freshman position players:

“We are happy that we have brought in some guys who we think will be able to contribute immediately. Jesse, Derick, and Chris have really stepped up and distanced themselves offensively from the rest of the pack, and should see a lot of at bats this spring The rest of the guys have proven that they have some ability and will be able to help as well.”

In addition to the freshman and returning sophomores are transfers Tyler Isaak, Zach Bohannon.

Coach Etnier on the transfers:

“ Tyler is going to see a lot of playing time for us this year at 2 nd base, he is a solid college baseball player all the way around. Zach who played for American Legion National Regional Qualifier Post 31 out of Paducah will provide depth for us at the catching position.”Leading the Warrior’s pitching staff this year is sophomore ace Cory White who returns after pitching in the #1 spot in 2007. Ed Draper is the only other sophomore pitcher this year for the Warriors.

Coach Etnier on the Sophomore Pitchers:

“Cory and Ed will pitch a ton of innings for us. Cory has one of the best arms in the league, throwing as hard as 94 mph at times with a good slider. He gives us a legitimate Friday starter that matches up well with anyone in the GRAC. Ed is a very much improved pitcher from where he was last spring. His velocity is up, his command has been good, and he will for sure compete for a weekend starting position on this team.”The rest of the pitching staff is comprised of mostly freshman including Jacob Wente, Eric Davis, Zach Petersime, Wesley Craig, Brad Jansen, Austin Hopkins, Craig Cochran, Cam Alkins, Zach Dilbeck, and Transfer Joe Kretz.

Coach Etnier on the Freshman Pitchers:

“We have a group of young arms that have some ability. Jacob, Zach P, Derrick, Eric, and Wesley have all thrown very hard this year at times, and as their bodies get stronger they should live at the higher velocity’s more often. Brad, Austin, Craig, Cam , Zach D, and Joe will give us the ability to change arm slots on teams and give different looks as well as add depth to the staff.”