The 2015 season was a question mark in the beginning: Would the Mt'neers have enough pitching; Could they compete in a tough Big 8 Conference; and would they have team chemistry to put together a winning season?
The Mt'neers answered all of those questions decisively. The three starting pitchers, Logan Rycraft, Payton Oehlschlager and Kaden Shoff combined for 13 of Mt. Vernon's 14 wins and had 13 complete games and 147 strike-outs. The Mt'neers finished 4-4 in a strong Big 8 Conference and finished the season with an overall record of 14-15 and a win over Aurora in the first round of the district tournament.
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"Last year we had a number of questions coming into the season," said Mt. Vernon head baseball coach of 20 years Nick Swillum. "It ended up being a fun season to be a part of." Swillum has a career coaching record of 255 wins and 230 losses.
Swillum feels his 21st year could be another step in the right direction for the green and white baseball program, as he returns eight starters and 11 lettermen.
"I expect us to be extremely competitive in the Big 8 Conference," Swillum said, "and in our district season."
The Mt'neers graduated four seniors, including Logan Rycraft, who is playing baseball at Highland Community College, Teddy Rust, Paul Shaffer and Grant Wilson.
"(Logan) Rycraft is possibly the best middle infielder we have had come through the program," said Swillum. "He had great hands and a quick release. He was a leader for us on the field."
The excitement for the Mt'neers comes, however, with the number of returning players with significant varsity experience and success. The list includes five seniors, Oehlschlager, Shoff, Chris Marsh, Grant Bushman and Jordan Foster.
Oehlschlager is considered one of the best athletes in the school. He possesses a good arm, can hit well and is very fast.
"We have a close knit group of guys that like to work hard and have fun while we're doing it," Oehlschlager said. "I'm excited to see how that translates onto the field this year."
Shoff is a fundamentally sound player who can play almost any position for the Mt'neers.
"I'm excited for the upcoming season," said Shoff. "I'm looking forward to seeing how our hard work in the off-season will pay off on the field."
Marsh is a solid first baseman, while Bushman returns as the team's catcher and Foster is an intelligent baseball player with good baseball sense.
Five juniors are also returning for Mt. Vernon, including Jarrett Massie, Garrett Hadlock, Brett Campbell, Cole Duncan and Dustin Hearne.
Swillum listed one sophomore, Chance Fenton, with varsity experience.
Newcomers for the Mt'neers in 2016 include senior Joe DeMasi and sophomores Jayden Buttram, Ty Boswell and Kyle Bushman.
"Ty (Boswell) was injured in the first inning of the first game a year ago," Swillum explained. "He could supply some additional power to the line-up and depth in the outfield."
So the grass in definitely green for the Mt. Vernon baseball program and hopes are high for what might lie ahead.
"We have two proven starting pitchers returning with a number of other young quality arms," said Swillum. "If we can put up some offensive numbers this year, we will see a lot of success."
