2012 Season Preview 

The Cavaliers are coming off a 42-20 season, which included a 10th consecutive sectional championship and a second place finish in the Region IV Tournament.

The Cavs begin the season with a number 16 ranking in the NJCAA preseason national rankings.

With several key players returning and a strong group of new additions, the Cavaliers are preparing to make another run at a Region IV Championship.

"I like this team defensively and that will be a key to our success." says Head Coach Todd Post. "We have five position players back that played for us as freshman." 

Neil DeCook (.353 BA, 14 2B, 7 3B, 25 SB, and 44 RBI) will again patrol center field and hit at the top of the order and All-Region returner Blake Baker (.353 BA, 9 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, and 35 RBI) will transition to first base. Ryan Sabalaskey (.345 BA, 3 2B, 22 RBI) and Jory Koehler (.265 BA, 9 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, and 35 RBI) also return in the infield. Zach Domin (.293 BA, 5 2B, and 20 RBI) who received Region IV Gold Glove honors defensively returns behind the plate. Tony Nutall (Bishop McNamara Catholic High School) returns to college baseball after serving in the Marines and freshman Brede Parker (Watseka High School) provide depth at the catchers position. Freshman Jake Lanning, Evan Clark, Casey Fletcher, and Ross Collins will also see action in the infield. Transfers Cory Johnson and Stephen Clancey along with freshman Kjeld Torkelson and Cody Smith will see action in the outfield.

The youthful pitching staff has just one returner from last season, sophomore Tom Laudadio. He will be joined in the starting rotation by Freshmen Matt Schwitz, Rodney Bettcher, Ken DeCook, and Justin Theisen. The bullpen has good depth with right-handers Casey Fletcher, Justin Wolters, Jake Lanning, Max Highland, Steve Cernak, and Josh Hainzinger; and left-handers Steve Clancey, Skyler Hinchee, and Jake Busch.

"Pitching is the name of the game and we feel this group will be ready to compete and continue to progress as the season goes on." Coach Post says. "Our pitching staff will be a key to the overall success of this team." Our goal each year is to win 40 games and a Region IV championship. We have to play good, consistent baseball and be prepared for the tournament that starts the second week of May."