As he begins year two as head of the Whitehall baseball program, Eric Schmitt is overly optimistic about his team’s chances.

“I’m really excited about our possibilities,” said Schmitt. “They have done a lot of work in the weight room, and you can see the difference. Like it was when I was playing, we have a lot of guys who just want to be out in the field.”

The Zephyrs are coming off a season that included a first-round, District 11 5A playoff game exit in an 8-6 loss to Pleasant Valley. Whitehall did lose a number of players to graduation, but they should have a core to help set the pace.

Seniors pitcher Auerilus Haddad and catcher Rob Yankowy will be counted on to handle the bulk of the mound and catching duties this spring. Haddad was sidelined part of last season and threw only 12 innings. Yankowy hit .312 with a .500 on-base percentage.

“We’ll be counting on those two,” said Schmitt. “Haddad will be at the top of the rotation, and we’ll count on Yankowy’s bat in the lineup.”

Aside from Haddad, Schmitt will look to Matt Rader (team-high 32 strikeouts in 32 innings, .340 batting average, 16 RBIs), Seth Hoderewski, Jack Lloyd, Ryan Lindemuth, Jordan Miller, Matt Hansen and Brad Kibbler. Senior Evan Kovalcik is still recovering from Tommy John surgery on his elbow, and he has been cleared to play in the infield and likely serve as a designated hitter. He was 2-2 on the mound last season.

“We have the arms,” stressed Schmitt. “They have worked hard and are pretty prepared. We are pretty confident in our overall pitching, and we will have the depth in games.”

Schmitt also is high on his junior group of Tyler Reichenbach, Zach Schaedel, Konnor Moyer, and Connor Strauss to find a spot in the field. Reichenbach is the team’s leading returning hitter with a .345 average and will open in the infield.

Schmitt is optimistic his team can ride the preseason wave.

“These guys are out there for the love of the game,” beamed Schmitt. “The attitude is great, and they are ready to go. It’s been exciting, and I know they can keep it going.”