By Chris Neyenhouse
Verona returns just four starters from a team that went 7-15 a year ago. They’re hoping to take another step towards recapturing the magic that propelled them to a district title just five seasons ago.
A pair of seniors will anchor the left side of the infield as third baseman Noah Freiburger and shortstop Asher Freiburger return.
“Both of them having been playing the game of baseball the longest out of everyone on the team and bring more experience for everyone to learn from,” said head coach Dustin Foster, who is in his first year with the team after two years as an assistant at Exeter. “They both do exceptionally well at communicating and illustrating to teammates what they are wanting to accomplish. They both play the left side of the infield when neither are pitching and tighten up our defense dramatically with them there. In the lineup they are our primary sources for runs and baserunners as well.”
The Freiburgers will be joined on the mound by junior Thomas Tarkington and sophomore Sean Lechner. Tarkington is the hardest thrower on the team and Lechner is known for consistently throwing strikes.
“Thomas Tarkington has made the most improvements from last spring to this year,” Foster said. “Both physically and mentally he has greatly improved. The previous year he was not able to make it to the majority of games because of sickness and it seemed when he was called upon the pressure would build up too much for him to handle at times. In the fall, it has seemed to do a complete 180 and was one of the key components in our fall season. He truly has surprised me a lot this year and I am so proud of the strides he has taken this year all around. I am excited to see him continue this progress and help this team this season”
Freshman Caiden Hillhouse has the task of catching this pitching staff. Junior Owen Akin and senior Evan Freiburger figure to split time at first base while a pair of sophomores, Lechner and Jacob Hinkle will be the primary second baseman. Tarkington will fill in for Asher Freiburger at shortstop when he’s on the mound. Trenton Freiburger, senior Jesse Hinkle, and junior Tristan Reed round out the outfield. Caiden Hillhouse, Miguel Castillo, Erick Gonzalez, Braden Buller, Joseph Calvin, and Aiden Steffan also figure into playing time.
Coach Foster hopes the program takes a big jump this season.
“We are a younger team compared to years past and there will be plenty of opportunity for everyone this season to prove themselves and show they have what it takes,” he said. “This season we will look to put the ball in play as well as make our opponents do the same. That will all start with making contact at the plate and throwing strikes on the mound. If we are able to give ourselves a chance and put the pressure in the hands of the opponents then we could definitely shock a few teams.”
Verona begins the season March 15 at Pierce City.
