Wheaton Academy Baseball
Outlook for the 2010-2011 Season
Last year the Wheaton Academy Warriors baseball team had a record of 21-13 with a 9-6 record in conference. The Warriors finished in third place in SCC (Suburban Christian Conference) and have a new look to them. Former Head Coach Willie Bosque accepted a scouting position with the San Diego Padres, and the Warriors promoted their assistant coach from last year, Brad Byrne, to head coach. This new looking and young team has only 5 seniors, but 7 returning starters. Despite the lack of seniors, the Warriors have kept a majority of its starters which will pay dividends down the stretch. This experience will begin to show this year and develop leadership for next year’s team.
Lost to Graduation: John Lace, Jonathon Burdett, Tyler Coopman, Tyler Nelson and Ryan Dzingel
Lost to Transfer: None
Returning Starters: Tate Fritz (Senior), Trevor Swaney (Junior), Alec McNally (Junior), Drew Sandberg (Junior), Ryan Kramer (Senior), Nate Jones (Senior)
Addition Transfers: Matt Brandys (Junior) and JD Joiner (Senior)
Key Newcomers: Matt Brandys, John McKenna (soph), Jake Cousins (soph), Luke Boggs (Junior), Max Ishikawa (Junior)
This new looking Warriors team shows much promise. The addition of Matt Brandys from Mount Carmel is a huge addition to the Warriors. He is a pitcher, third baseman, and first baseman, but will see most action coming from the mound and the hot corner. He is claimed “the top thrower in the area” and throws in the mid 80’s, commanding three pitches. This is huge addition, considering the loss of All State short stop Ryan Dzingel. Dzingel is currently playing hockey on one of Americas top amateur hockey teams. Fighting for Dzingel’s old spot will be sophomores John McKenna and Jake Cousins. McKenna is currently the leader because of “Cousins versatility.” Cousins will be seen on the mound and in the outfield as well. Tate Fritz is also back after slugging 14 homeruns last year to go along with 58 RBI’s. Trevor Swaney was all conference last year, and Ryan Kramer led the SCC in ERA last season. The Warriors will have a deep pitching staff with Brandys, Swaney, Cousins and Kramer leading the way.
Goals: Coach Byrne has set some high goals in his first season, pursuing a “4th straight 20 win season, winning regionals, getting to sectionals/winning sectionals, and going down to state.”
Some big games include home against Marmion 4/7, home against Nazereth 4/20, at St. Francis 4/28, and home against Aurora Christian 5/3
