Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

On the heels of the first Greater Miami Conference championship in program history, Lakota West High's baseball team returns 10 letterwinners.

However, 10th-year coach Bill Dreisbach remains "cautiously optimistic," in his words.

"We have the makings of a good ballclub," Dreisbach said. "We lost a little bit from last year, but I feel we have a pretty good nucleus coming back."

That nucleus is from a squad that finished the '06 campaign 19-11 overall and 12-6 in the GMC, sharing the league crown with Hamilton, Oak Hills and Princeton. The Firebirds lost to Miamisburg 2-0 in the district finals.

"Last year we were fortunate enough to win a share of the GMC championship," said Dreisbach, noting that Big Blue is this year's league favorite. "I'm hoping we can defend. We have the capabilities to put a good product on the field. The GMC will be very tough and competitive, so (a four-way tie) could happen again this year."

West lost eight seniors to graduation — most notably pitcher Kyle Donawerth, a first-team, all-GMC pick — but added a pair of transfers and a move-in to an already-strong returning core.

Leading the staff is senior left-hander Collin Taylor, who was 5-3 with a 2.24 earned run average in nine appearances (eight starts, three complete games).

"We're looking for him to be that leader on the mound for us, and provide leadership for our young pitching staff," Dreisbach said. "We look for him to have a solid year for us."

Senior Andrew Moyer (3-1, 3.92), junior Tyler Vaske and sophomore Bryan Beaver, a transfer from Moeller, are on the staff. Senior Bryan Post (1-2, 3.00), who made nine relief appearances last season, is back. Other hurlers are senior Brandon Reder, junior Khristian Yurchak and sophomore Nathan Smith, a move-in from Tennessee.

"Pitching-wise, we have the makings of a really solid staff," Dreisbach said. "There's not a power arm in there, but we've got a group that knows how to pitch, and that will keep us in ball games."

Senior Dustin Huff (.361, 20 RBIs) shifts from second base, where he was a second-team, all-GMC pick, to catcher, replacing Jeff Nelson, last year's starter who moved to Nebraska. Junior Justin Vaske will be Huff's backup.

Senior Dane Fienning (.310, 26 RBIs), a first-team, all-GMC selection, senior Mike Stidham and Smith will see time at first base, while Beaver, senior Zach Pohlman and junior Adam Silvestain are battling at second base.

Senior Brad Gschwind (team-high .430), a first-team, all-GMC pick, returns at shortstop for the fourth straight season before heading off to Miami University.

"Brad has had a great career," Dreisbach said. "He's always been a hard worker, and I'm happy for all the things that's happened for him. He wants to go out on top. He's the total player."

Junior Craig Gauden (.292) is back at third base, with senior Nick Rumberger, junior T.J. Fischer and sophomore Ricky Finley vying for left field. Junior Jimmy Brenneman, a transfer from Lakota East, will be in center field, and Fienning and senior Tadd Dombart in right. Yurchak also will see time in the outfield.

"We've got more team speed than in the past," Dreisbach said. "I'm looking forward to having speed to maybe hit-and-run and be more aggressive on the base paths. We're capable of swinging the bats well. I can't predict that we'll be setting offensive records, but we'll put the bat on the ball."

West opens the season Monday at Oak Hills.