2008 Outlook
Saving the Best for Last Geneva’s baseball team is set to celebrate its 140-year anniversary in 2008. Last year, the Golden Tornadoes may have experienced one of their most successful campaigns throughout those years. Geneva picked up its first American Mideast Conference North Division title in the final season as a member of the NAIA. Geneva won the AMC North with a divisional mark of 12-4 and an overall record of 29-22. Geneva concluded its year by hosting the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) National Tournament in Struthers, OH. The Golden Tornadoes dropped both games in the national spotlight, but still finished the season with hopes of building something special as the program heads into NCAA Division III. Fresh Start Cupboard is Still Stocked
Behind the plate a trio of Golden Tornadoes will share the duty. Junior Joe Senko, sophomore Joe Jurinko and freshman Joel Gatti will all compete for playing time. The first base job is up for grabs between sophomore Justin Acosta and Dylan Viehdorfer. Andy Hiskey, who spent his time at third last year, could also see significant innings at the opposite hot corner. Andy Lubich enjoyed a break-out season for Geneva last year at second base and will again anchor that spot with some youngsters providing additional depth at that spot. At the other middle infield position, Derek Sumner is back after providing solid contributions. Adam Foss and Jon Jurinko could also find themselves with playing time at shortstop. Andy Hiskey should most likely get the bulk of action at third base, but Phil Shallenberger will provide another option if Hiskey is moved to the other side of the infield. Geneva’s outfield has more depth than in any recent year. Returning from last year’s starting line-up are senior Tyler Kepiro in rightfield as well as junior Tadd Eyster in centerfield. Their will be a number of young players looking to fill the vacancy in leftfield, as well as provide depth at the other two positions. Sophomores Joel Dille and Lucas Zimmerman, as well as freshmen Steve Bowser, Sonny Bozza and Ryan Volk could all find themselves in the outfield of 33rd Street Field at some time during the 2008 campaign. Elder statesmen Set for Season #20 “I am looking forward to watching this young team mature,” said Sumner. “There appears to be the right mix of experience and youth with this group. If we are able to play as a team, we should be able to compete well with the other PAC schools.” Sumner may seem a bit humbled after the many successes enjoyed by him and his program over the years, but he is well aware of what it takes to compete at this level and he will undoubtedly have his team ready to go with the first pitch. “It is always excited to get things going in a new year and see how our team will stack up against some very good competition. It is a new year and we are thrilled with what has been accomplished, but we know we must work even harder to maintain that success.” |
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A solid group of youngsters could also see their way to the center of the diamond this year. Included in that group are Phil Shallenberger, Chris Slick, Justin McGurgan and Matt Baer. Nick Phillips could also be a major factor, however he will have to bounce back from off-season shoulder surgery. “Everyone knows success in baseball has to start with the pitching staff and we are very excited with what we have in store for 2008.”
