Richards Looks to Be in the Thick of it Again

Coach: Brian Wujcik (19th season; record in previous 18 years 364-263-4).

Last year's record: 28-10 overall, 17-2 in the South Suburban Red and 2-1 in postseason. Richards lost to Joliet Catholic Academy in the sectional semifinals. Summer League: 13-10 and 0-1 postseason. Richards lost to Oak Forest.

Opener: March 21 at St. Laurence.

Quick hit: "If the defense is able to make plays consistently, (I'm) confident the offense and pitching will give us an opportunity to win most ballgames," coach Brian Wujcik said.

Top Returning Players

Joe Lyons, third base/pitcher, senior. Last season: .385 (50-130), 10 doubles, 13 triples, 24 RBIs. Summer hitting:  .444 (12 for 27), 1 double, 1 triple, 5 RBIs.

Dan Kenealy, outfield/pitcher, senior. Last season:  .414 (46-for-111), 10 doubles, two triples, 31 RBIs, 12 stolen bases. Summer hitting:  .400 (14 -for-35), 2 2B, 1 3B, 6 RBI, 3 SB.

Carlos Rodriguez, pitcher/shortstop, second base, senior. Returning all-conference pitcher. Pitching: 8-1, 3.15 ERA, 52 hits, 36 strikeouts, 32 walks in 53 1/3 innings.

Jim Augle, outfield/pitcher, junior. Returning all-conference outfielder. Hitting:  .438 (49-for-112), 12 doubles, one triple, six home runs, 43 RBIs, 10 stolen bases. Summer hitting:  .394 (13-for-33), four doubles, one triple, one home run, 11 RBIs.

Top Newcomers

Enrique Palacios, junior, first baseman. Summer hitting:  .424 (14-for-33), one double, five home runs, 17  RBIs.

Jon Danielson, junior, pitcher, outfielder. Sophomore pitching:  8-1, 1.60 ERA, averaged nine strikeouts per game.

Luis Castro, junior, outfielder, third base. Transfer from Marist.

Richards returns four seniors (Lyons, Kenealy, Rodriguez, and Alex Szafoni) and one junior (Jim Augle) from last year’s squad. But the Bulldogs won the conference title at both the varsity and sophomore levels last year as the two teams combined to go 50-19.

The Bulldogs expect to contend in the South Suburban Red once again. Hitting should be their strength, with Lyons, Kenealy and Augle anchoring the top of the lineup, and Enrique Palacios providing power in the clean-up spot.  Marist transfer Lou Castro also will play a major role on offense.

Defensively, Mt. Carmel transfer Jake Beiriger will occupy one of the middle infield positions, and junior Jesse Valenti takes over for Joe Kelly behind the plate.

The pitching staff will be lead by Rodriguez. Left-hander Jim Augle will see more time on the mound, and juniors Jon Danielson and Tyler Mastalerz should round out the rotation.