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Posted April 12, 2008

Prep baseball: Success brewing at Assumption
Daily Tribune Staff
mark.massoglia@cwnews.net
By Mark Massoglia

Success breeds excitement. Just ask Assumption baseball coach Mike Schulte.

The Royals march to their first-ever WIAA regional crown and sectional berth has boys in the school buzzing about playing the sport. Twenty-three are on this year's roster, which is the biggest in recent history.

"I think our success is part of it and the possibility of a JV team is attractive to some of the younger guys because our starting lineup is pretty set," Schulte said.

Senior Ben Kinzel agreed with his coach and took it one step further, "I think our success last year has something to do with the numbers, but we're just trying to get more guys out for the sport because it's a fun game. With the numbers we have there is going to be more talent and competition to fill the spots on the team."

Kinzel is one of four returning All-Marawood Conference South Division players hoping to make a charge at the division title and another long run in the playoffs.

Kinzel, a first-team selection, is a pitcher and outfielder for the Royals and hit .409 with three home runs in conference games last year.

Also earning first-team honors was senior Tyler Hafermann, who plays at either third base or shortstop when he isn't on the mound. He batted .409 as well and was tied for second in the league with seven doubles. Senior and second-team catcher Dan Salewski led the Royals with a .415 average and hit six doubles.

Senior Andy Joosten (.405) earned honorable mention status and will play in the outfield. Alex Walczak, the final senior, will split time between third base and the outfield.

"We have five seniors and three juniors who have extensive varsity experience, so we have a good base," Schulte said. "We're looking for depth from the younger guys, and I think we'll develop some as the season progresses.

"I think we have a good mix of kids, and the seniors have set the tone. They've experienced success in terms of wins and are hungry to keep that trend going."

Schulte tabs defending division champion Spencer as the team to beat, but there are several teams -- including Pittsville, Stratford and Marshfield Columbus -- to be in the conference race.

Ben Kinzel works on his batting practice along with his teammates inside the gym at Assumption High School Wednesday. TOM LOUCKS/Daily Tribune