Marion is coming off of a 29-11 season in 2012 and the program is set to put another good baseball team on the field again this year.

The graduation of Cale Cannoy (5-1) and Tyler Hedtke (6-3) will leave the Indians short a couple of quality starters in the rotation. Also gone are talented leadoff hitter Mitch Wagner (.400), stalwart catcher Addison Johnson, and outfielders Josh Davila (.321) and Sean McGarvey (.319).

All-state first baseman Trev Biery (.403), who led the team with 53 RBIs, will lead a nucleus of letterwinners on this year’s club.  Also back is outfielder Alex Charipar (.369) and pitcher Levi Lochner (6-2).

Shortstop Christian Stekl (.363) and third baseman Logan Fuller (.321) will also be expected to fill the gaps left in the pitching staff. Quinn Cannoy (2-1) will also be expected to supply his arm to the rotation.

Trevor Hardman, David Kuhn and John Carstenson will be counted on to contribute more to this year’s team as well. Freshman Caleb Stekl and sophomore Nick Kramer will be competing for the catching position.

“As we prepare for the coming season, our team chemistry appears to be outstanding,” said Coach Steve Fish. “We have kids who understand our tradition and expectations and work to represent Marion as best they can.”

Playing in the WAMAC is a challenge as there are many quality baseball programs throughout the conference. It's a challenge that Fish and his staff seem to respond to each season with great success.

“We will lack experience in a few positions and will play some young kids,” said Fish. “We hope our program provides our young players an opportunity to develop at a high level and I hope we will be competitive come tournament time.”

I think we can safely say that Marion will be more than ready for tournament time. They have a nice blend of experience and youth and an atmosphere that affords older players a chance to nurture the development of younger players, all supported by Fish’s leadership.

The formula continues to work.