More athleticism could aid Vikings' improvement
Courtesy photo<br> A bevy of freshmen join forces with a solid core of returning sophomores to make up this year's Big Bend Community College Vikings baseball team. Coach Ron Lindgren believes his team's athleticism could make a big difference in his program's hunt for a NWAACC tournament bid this year.
MOSES LAKE — After missing the Northwest Athletic Association of Community College (NWAACC) playoffs, the Big Bend Vikings and 10th-year coach Don Lindgren are hoping an infusion of athletic talent could be just what the post season ordered.
“Last year we just did not have the athletes we have this year,” Lindgren said. “We also didn’t have the discipline or work ethic like we have this year.”
Lindgren has 13 sophomores at his disposal this season including, Moses Lake’s Chase Hunter (second baseman), Yuki Koyama (second baseman/shortstop), AJ McNees (outfielder/pitcher), Jeff Walker (second baseman/utility), Tyler Druffel (pitcher/first baseman/outfielder), Zach Hauser (pitcher), Justin Poth (pitcher), Blake Heppner (catcher), Cassidy Key-Darlington (pitcher/outfielder), Brian Pisca (pitcher/designated hitter), Mike Constantine (second baseman), Jordan Beers (pitcher), and Geoff Davis (outfielder).
“Our greatest strengths are discipline and hard work,” Lindgren said. “These players come to practice every day and work harder than the day before to continually work on getting better.”
Lindgren, who is 261-178 in his tenure at Big Bend, signed 25 freshmen to this year’s squad, four of which will redshirt.
Those expected to participate this season are, Moses Lake’s Josh Martinez (outfielder), Ephrata’s Brett Gray (first baseman/outfielder) and Mason Lotz (pitcher), J.T. Levenseller (pitcher/outfielder), Darrell Newman (shortstop/third baseman), Matt Herbert (outfielder), Randy Button (pitcher/third baseman), Bryan Karwacki (catcher/pitcher), Matt Barton (pitcher), Ryan Druffel (first baseman), Jake Faulk (outfielder/catcher), Ryan Morgan (outfielder), Brian Sweeney (pitcher/shortstop), Brendan Story (pitcher/utility), Cody Brunner (pitcher/third baseman), Nathan Regal (pitcher/first baseman), Brady Sisk (pitcher), Adam Frenzel (pitcher), Jake Howland (pitcher), Donovan Snow (outfielder), and Jarod Ball (pitcher).
Will Cornwell, Geoff Davis, Jordan Harlow, and Mickenzie Jorge will redshirt.
With all these players at his disposal Lindgren sees a lot of positives but also knows what his team needs to do to reach their goals of making the post season once again.
“We need to work on being fundamentally sound and consistent,” Lindgren said. “We are all focused on one goal and our team chemistry is outstanding. We want to win our league and win the NWAACC championship.”
The Vikings open their season this weekend against Centralia Community College at Larsen Field with a 1 p.m. start tomorrow and a noon first pitch the following day.