Sports
Many Happy Returns Makes Lincoln-Way West a Team to Watch
Eastern Illinois recruit Cody Vogler leads an experienced group of Warriors in pursuit of another 20-win season, as well as a potential lengthy post-season run.
Coach: Jake Zajc
Last year’s record: 21-14 overall, 9-5 Southwest Suburban Red
Quick hit: Our season will be a successful one if: "We learn how to compete in every aspect of the game every single day of the season,” Zajc says.
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Infield: Cody Vogler (senior, first baseman) hit .473, belted 10 home runs and drove in 47 runs last season. Luke Andrade (senior, shortstop) hit .294 and drove in 20 runs. Ryan Clavenna (junior, second baseman) hit .385 in 13 games, and Matt Bishop (senior, third baseman) hit .319 last season. Junior Matt Sutor will play a utility role and Frank Becker adds depth at first base.
Outfield: Dan Fifer (senior, right fielder) hit .416, scored 30 runs and smashed eight doubles last season. Mike Lagger (senior, left fielder) hit .379, had 16 doubles and drove in 20 runs. Robert Hubbard (senior, center fielder) hit .362. Senior Travis Wysong is expected to play a large role as an outfielder as well but is injured to begin the season. Juniors John Hayes and Allen Saffrahn offer the Warriors additional depth.
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Pitching staff: When he’s not blasting the ball all over the place with his electric bat, Cody Vogler often is shutting down the bats of the opposing team. Vogler is the staff ace, coming off a 7-5 campaign in which he fanned 80 and posted a 3.87 ERA. Right-handers Matt Bishop, Dan Fifer and Jake Keefe will follow in the rotation, while Mike Lagger, Nick Mikoff and Jake Benson are projected to be the top guys out of the bullpen. Frank Becker, lefty John Hayes, Allen Saffrahn, Trent Sayers and Matt Sutor also offer fresh arms for the Warriors.
Catcher: The only Jake not catching for the Warriors this spring will be Major League’s Jake Taylor. Seriously though, senior Jake Keefer is projected as the starter. Keefe hammered four home runs and batted .312 last spring. Juniors Jake Benson and Jake O’Leary will give the team depth behind the dish.
Coach Zajc says: “The strength of our team will be that we are returning most of all of our players from last year’s team. I picture us being the type of team that executes in all phases of the game. “
College recruits: Cody Vogler (Eastern Illinois), Dan Fifer (Undecided), Matt Bishop (Undecided), Mike Lagger (Undecided), Jake Keefe (Undecided), Luke Andrade (Undecided).
