The 2013 version of the Aquinas baseball team hopes to rebound from “last day of the season” disappointments of the past two years.   Aquinas’ post season hopes were dashed on the last day of the 2011 season (1 game play-off) and the last doubleheader of the 2012 season (needing a sweep but settling for a split of that twinbill).

This year’s squad boasts eleven experienced seniors who bring leadership and purpose to the challenges of the 2013 season. Heading the list is Nick Kissane (3B-C), and outstanding talents Michael Penny (CF), and Austin King (SS/3B) both of whom are four year starters.  Other veteran position players are Allen Manyen, a hard hitting outfielder, catcher Scott Witkop (a part time four year starter), versatile Brent Steele, and hard working infielder Steve Crawford.

The pitching staff lists four senior hurlers in Vince Misiewicz (All WHAC performer in 2011), Josh Drake (who will also double as a designated hitter), and Tyler Cole and Brian Loper, both of who were idled in 2012 because of injuries.

Depth is a strength of this year’s squad as the junior class offers many players with game experience and skill.  Junior position players are Greg Baranyai (1B), KJ Hartger (catcher), Taylor Pawlanta (infielder/outfielder), Jimmy McDonough (infielder/catcher) and Ricky Lowe (outfielder/pitcher).  Junior pitchers are Kaleb Ort (last season’s #1 starter), Jake Ritsema, Kevin Schafer, and Kyle Kranz.  Transfers Kyle Orlowski (GR Community College) and Seth Holton (Davenport) bring solid left handed bats  into the mix.

Sophomores who will battle for playing time are talented outfielder Elliot Drain, athletic transfer Josh Ledford (Lansing Community College), and infielder Brad Slis.

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Pitchers from the sophomore class are last year’s stopper, Brendan Penny, Matt Krzykwa, Christian Potter, Aaron Thimm, Jason Turner,Bryan Mitzner and transfer Tyler Fults (GR Community College).   All are lefthanders with the exception of Potter and Turner.

The “newcomer” group of freshmen and redshirts showed a lot of potential in the fall workouts.  They are headed by infielders Colin Brand, Eric Eiseler,  Tanner Lung and Casey Wila.  Hard hitting catcher Justin Caudill, pitcher/catcher Mike DeClarke and outfielder Doug Zelenka all had solid fall seasons as well.  Other freshmen are outfielder Dan Michaud, infielder Paul Woloszyk, as well as pitchers Jack Ropp and Jay Topp.  They all possess the potential to contribute at the college level.   

2013 should be a year when the Saints battle with every league opponent for the opportunity to represent the WHAC in the National Tournament.   The pieces are in place and the depth of talent, both in the field and on the mound, make Aquinas a squad to be reckoned with.

The schedule is typically Aquinas ----- “difficult” and boasts an eleven game spring trip to Winter Haven, Florida as well as back to back doubleheaders with each league opponent.  Traditional non-league games with Calvin, Olivet, Purdue North Central, Calumet St. Joseph’s, Rochester College, Huntington College, and Hope College (played at 5^th/3^rd park/ Home of the Whitecaps) dot the schedule as well.

The Saints will also have numerous junior varsity games scheduled with community colleges and squads from other four year schools to allow their young players to develop.