Baseball begins season in Florida
By the IV Leader Staff, Feb. 26, 2004
The baseball team is gearing up for its season, which begins in March with 10 games at West Palm Beach, Fla.
Coach Bob Koopmann said he expects the team to do as well as last year out of state. His biggest concern is not having any injuries.
The team is currently practicing in the afternoons. Koopmann said the team’s weaknesses are pitching depth and team power. Strengths of the team are speed, defense and overall hitting.
Seven of the returning players are Luke Carls of St. Bede, Brent Moore and John Calkins both of Ottawa, Adam Smith of Cardinal Ritter, Ind., Clay Zavada of Streator and Mike Shanders and Grant Payton, both of Barrington.
New recruits are Colin Grant of Lake Zurich, Ryan Moutray, Paul Corgiat and Jim Weber of L-P, Ryan Czyz of Ottawa, David Bylett, Travis White, Matt Bates and Shayne Watson from Queensland, Australia, Trevor Benson of Indian Creek, Elliott Procyshen of St. Joseph, Canada, Brook Meier of Rock Falls, Chris Zinn of Glenbard North, Jim Grant of Joliet, Adam Gray of Johnston, Iowa, Brandon Aikens of Nazareth Academy, Bobby Friederick of Potosi, Wis., Jim Clesson of University High, Dom Cappellania of Hersey, Jared Wise and Devin Henkel of Mendota, Matt Enderle of Rockton Hononegah and Eric Farrell of Elk Grove.