The Wildcats are off to a 7-4 start, including a notable win against state ranked Lincoln Way East. A quality start by Justin Divelbess, junior, on the mound, contributed to a Wildcat win.
“All the guys focus on the ‘little things’,” Divelbess said. “It is typically the little things that become the deciding factor.”
The baseball program has great expectations for their lengthy season.
“Our goals as a team are to place top three in conference,” Charlie Bishoff, junior, said, “and defend our title as WJOL champions and to win a regional title. Every day we work even harder to get there.”
The SPC is a strong conference with teams like Plainfield North, Plainfield East and Minooka that have a great baseball teams, but that does not scare any of the Wildcat players.
“I feel as if we can go up against any team in the conference,” David Ascencio, senior, said. “We have to bring the same intensity and energy every game, to have a chance to win.”
The coaching staff is very confident in their players’ ability, and back up their goals.
“We have shown flashes of being very good in many areas.” Patrick Hanley, coach, said.
“When we learn to consistently throw strikes, make plays in the field, and execute in key situations at the plate, we will be able to compete in any game against any opponent.”
Team chemistry between the juniors and seniors will also play a big part. But that does not look to be a problem for the Wildcats.
“Already we’ve meshed together like we have been playing together for years,” Bishoff said. “We all have one common goal, that is to win.”
The team does not have as many seniors this year as the previous year. Only five seniors make up the 20-man roster: David Ascencio, Nick Heffernan, RJ Kohlstedt, Zach Hafner, and Blake Babec.
“The few seniors we have are guiding many of us to ease into the season,” Jac Lindish, junior, said. “We are a very young team, but that does not mean we won’t compete.”
A lot of focus falls on the seniors to lead, but that does not exclude the talent of the younger players.
“The seniors have done a great job so far with each of them contributing to the victory,” John Rosner, coach, said. “But our juniors are racking up innings on the mound and carrying the load.”
The chemistry between coaches, younger and older players added to the equal love for baseball makes everything all worthwhile acroding to the players.
“As long as we continue to have fun,” Lindish said, “I believe we’ll have a successful season.”
The season is long, and the days of practice even longer. But these Wildcats are all in, to win. The next game will be tomorrow at 2 p.m. at home.