By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Rolla Bulldogs once again have a heavy dose of elite competition throughout their schedule this spring.
The ‘Dogs open play against Rock Bridge and Republic on March 16, which is the only way head coach Kenny Hohe wants it.
“We feel like we have a really tough schedule,” Hohe said. “It just kind of grows from there. We are in the Ozark Conference with several good teams, like Glendale and Kickapoo, of course. Lebanon was pretty darn good, West Plains and Camdenton.”
The Bulldogs graduated four seniors and return eight (one of whom is out for the season).
Those seniors include pitcher Isaac Buhr (out for season); Brady Feeler (C/OF/relief pitcher); Brett Montgomery (3B, relief pitcher); Logan Shivers (OF/SP); Vinny Spinaio (C/2B/relief pitcher); Davy Watkins (INF/SP); Wyatt Wilson (C/SP); Brett Yarger (CF/closer).
“We feel like we have a strong group of seniors,” Hohe said. “They have been to a ton of our offseason stuff, a ton of our winter workouts, showing up to hitting sessions and putting in a ton of time, leading by example.”
While the regular season does not commence until March 16, Shivers, at the current time, is on tap to be the team’s ace on the bump.
“He was our best pitcher last year and started our district [tournament] loss to Washington. He gave up one run in 4 2/3 and we ended up losing 1-0. He probably returns as our number one,” Hohe said.
The ‘Dogs have options and depth, though. Something in which Hohe is grateful, given the plethora of competition that resides throughout southwest Missouri.
“We have other guys too, though. We have Watkins. He has been a starter for us for two years. And then we have Kaleb Barnes. He is a junior and had some of our better starts last year,” Hohe said.
Feeler and Spinaio also look to contribute in their final seasons in the maroon and white.
“We think those two are going to be big parts in what we do,” Hohe said. “Our hope is that we throw strikes, play defense and do the little things on offense to help us win ballgames.”
On any given day anyone can emerge as the victors throughout the Ozark Conference, and scheduling a heavy conference and non-conference load better preps the Bulldogs for what they will see throughout May.
“There are so many good teams. No real easy victories in our conference,” Hohe said. “You have some teams that are not as good, not quite as strong. But they have pitchers who can shut you down. And a couple hitters who can really scare you in their lineup.”
The junior class is comprised of Barnes, Braxton Bahr, Elie Beam, Kayden Kinder, Kaden Reedy and Trustin Richards.
As of press time, the March 12 preseason jamboree is still in flux a bit, Hohe said.
The Bulldogs will battle Union and one team to be determined.
Rolla eyes a deeper conference and postseason run this year and the seven returning seniors will have a strong hand in deciding how far the journey takes them.
