Ryan Born
Adam Abraham
After losing nine seniors, who helped the Tigers break the
school record for team batting average (.351) and compile a 10-2
mark in the always-tough NCAC West Division in 2002, the Tigers are
poised and ready once again.
Despite the departure of four first-team All-NCAC players,
the cupboard is anything but bare. The record-setting offensive
machine of 2002 still has many weapons, led by senior first
baseman Ryan Born (Marion,
Ohio/Pleasant), who batted .386 and led the Tigers
in runs batted in a year ago. Talented junior
outfielders Kyle Wolf (Hamilton,
Ohio/Middletown
Fenwick) and Shawn Jarecki
(Brookpark, Ohio/Valley Forge) will also be
expected to contribute.
The Tigers also return sophomore third
baseman Brandon Godzik (Dayton, Ohio/Vandalia
Butler), who hit .341 clip as a freshman, and
outfielder Matt Foster (Granville,
Ohio/Granville), who batted .333. Sophomore
infielder/pitcher Jon Komperda (Bay Village,
Ohio/Bay) and freshmen
outfielder/pitcher Steve Less (Sheffield,
Ohio/Elyria Catholic), middle
infielder K.R. Schlievert (Findlay,
Ohio/Findlay), first baseman/designated
hitter Bret Wiseman (New Richmond, Ohio/New
Richmond), and
shortstop/pitcher Justin McCulla (St. Paris,
Ohio/Graham) are among the competitors for
starting positions.
Wittenberg returns an outstanding veteran pitching staff.
Leading the way will be seniors Adam Abraham
(Granville, Ohio/Granville), who was tied for second
on the team in wins a year ago and held opposing batters to a .260
batting average, and Brian Robinson (Columbus,
Ohio/Centennial), who held opponents to a .224
average, compiled a 3.74 ERA and led the team in appearances with
16. JuniorsTom Fox (Urbana,
Ohio/Urbana), who was first on the staff in
strikeouts and was second in appearances,
and Kurt Hartfelder (Columbus, Ohio/Upper
Arlington), sophomores Ryan
Goldschmidt (Ft. Loramie, Ohio/Ft. Loramie), who led
the team in wins, innings pitched and complete games in 2002,
and Wayne Massie (Springfield,
Ohio/Tecumseh) also return to the
staff.
Things get started for the Tigers in Fort Myers, Fla. this
week. Wittenberg will play nine games in six days as part of the
Gene Cusic Tournament.