By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The return of seven starters should be a key for the Buchanan varsity baseball team this season.
The Bucks, which finished 11-22 overall last year, 4-10 in the conference, will not only be led by upperclassman, but lower classman as well.
Head coach Dan Holloway said the team has a strong group of sophomores, which includes six returning letterman. That combined with a good, young pitching staff should help Buchanan be successful this season.
Sophomores Buddy Williams and Tyler Knisley will see a lot of time at the mound. Last year, Williams was 2-2, with a 3.62 ERA. Knisley was also 2-2, with a 3.18 ERA.
Senior Aaron Koziel, also a pitcher, was 4-2 last season with a 3.76 ERA. Koziel had a .294 batting average and had 13 RBIs and 11 stolen bases last year.
Zack Powers, another senior, had a .290 batting average and added 12 stolen bases.
Holloway said his team has good experience in the field defensively and will do well hitting offensively. He also said that many of his players can play numerous positions.
Players on this year's team include seniors Koziel, Powers, Brenson Stroman and Jordan Woodrick; Juniors Jon Mondschein, Mitchell Plott and Scott Warner; And sophomores Derek Anglero, Evan Cauffman, Tyler Knisley, Josh Mills,T.J. Pike, Perry Wahlstrom and Buddy Williams.
The Bucks open their season on Saturday, March 31 when they host the Buck Classic., Games begin at 9 a.m.