Wildcats Hope to Make Northern Region Tournament for Third Straight Year

The 2010 Centreville Wildcat baseball team finished the year 16-7 and earned a berth in the Northern Region Tournament. The Wildcats advanced to the tournament’s quarterfinal game where they were defeated by James Madison. Under the direction of fifth-year head coach Morgan Spencer, the Wildcats will attempt to reach the Northern Region Tournament for the third straight season in 2011.

The Wildcats lost first team All-Met players Ryan Ashooh (starting pitcher) and Cam Walter (first base), along with 10 other members of last year’s team to graduation. Eight players from last season return and will be relied upon to provide veteran leadership to the team’s younger players.

“We’re looking forward to a good season. We have some young guys who we think will be tough to beat by the end of the year," said Spencer.

Senior outfielder Mark McCormick, who earned first team All-Region honors last season, will serve as Centreville’s cornerstone. McCormick batted .461 last season and led the team in doubles, stolen bases, and runs scored.

“[The team] will go as Mark goes. He’s a tough kid and a really good player. He’s really aggressive and he’s going to be our guy,” Spencer said.

Kevin Lachance, a three-year starter on varsity, will replace departed shortstop Chris Campbell. Lachance will make the transition from third base to shortstop to help shore up the Wildcat infield.

Spencer will also rely on juniors Bobby San Martin (catcher, outfield), Chris Simpson (pitcher, outfield) and Mark Behne (second base) to contribute offensively for the Wildcats.

Freshman Scotty Walter (utility, pitcher) makes his high school baseball debut on varsity. Walter, the younger brother of former Wildcat first baseman Cam Walter, has Spencer and the rest of Centreville’s coaching staff excited as to what his future beholds.

“He has a lot of talent and potential. He does things off the baseball diamond that remind me so much of his older brother. I think he has the opportunity to accomplish great things before it’s all said and done,” Spencer said.

Centreville’s pitching staff will be anchored by three players with the name of Mitch. Juniors Mitch Ferrick (RHP) and Mitch Mahoney (RHP), and senior Mitch August (RHP) all played important roles in the team’s district tournament run last season. August, listed at 6'4, 200 lbs., has a durable frame and can carry the Wildcats deep into games.

The pitching staff also welcomes the addition of Centreville quarterback Chance Roman. Roman led a one-loss Wildcat football team to Northern Region Semifinals, passing for 1320 yards in the process. Roman, like August, has a durable frame (6’3, 195) and has already earned high praise from his coaches.

“Chance has been phenomenal. We’re expecting a lot of great things from him,” said Spencer.

Despite the loss of 12 starters, the sophomores and juniors on last year’s team gained valuable experience and will be counted upon to provide leadership. Centreville’s roster features a good blend of veteran experience, peppered with young talent, which should complement each other well.  

“This year’s group is a tough one. We have some very good senior leadership. We may have some bumps at the beginning, but by the end of the year we should be a team that is confident and tough to beat,” said Spencer.