2003 Season Outlook

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Ryan Born led the Tigers in RBI in 2002.

A blend of talented young players and savvy upperclassmen will pave the way for the Wittenberg University baseball team this spring. After losing nine seniors, who helped the Tigers break the school record for team batting average (.351) and compile a 10-2 mark in the always tough North Coast Athletic Coast West Division in 2002, the Tigers are poised and ready once again. Under the direction of Head Coach Jay Lewis (Wittenberg 94), who has compiled a 130-99-3 record in six years at the helm, the Tigers will once again be known for their fundamental, aggressive, intense and determined style of play.

Despite the departure of four first-team All-NCAC players in Bryan Burke, Lance Dill, Scott Hirsch and Nate Williams, the cupboard is anything but bare. The fined-tuned, record-setting offensive machine of 2002 still has many weapons. Leading the way will be senior first baseman Ryan Born (Marion, Ohio/Pleasant), who batted .386 and led the Tigers in runs batted in a year ago. Talented junior outfielders Kyle Wolf (Hamilton, Ohio/Middletown Fenwick) and Shawn Jarecki (Brookpark, Ohio/Valley Forge) will also be expected to contribute.

Furthermore, the Tigers return sophomore third baseman Brandon Godzik (Dayton, Ohio/Vandalia Butler), who hit at a .341 clip as a freshman, and outfielder Matt Foster (Granville, Ohio/Granville), who batted .333. In addition, sophomore infielder/pitcher Jon Komperda (Bay Village, Ohio/Bay), freshman outfielder/pitcher Steve Less (Sheffield, Ohio/Elyria Catholic), middle infielder K.R. Schlievert (Findlay, Ohio/Findlay), first baseman/designated hitter Bret Wiseman (New Richmond, Ohio/New Richmond), and shortstop/pitcher Justin McCulla (St. Paris, Ohio/Graham) will be looked upon also to contribute and provide depth.

Another Tiger strength in 2003 will be pitching. Wittenberg returns an outstanding nucleus of veteran hurlers who form a formidable staff. Leading the way will be seniors Adam Abraham (Granville, Ohio/Granville), who was tied for second on the team in wins a year ago and held opposing batters to a .260 batting average, and Brian Robinson (Columbus, Ohio/Centennial), who held opponents to a .224 average, compiled a 3.74 ERA and led the team in appearances with 16. Juniors Tom Fox (Urbana, Ohio/Urbana), who was first on the staff in strikeouts and was second in appearances, and Kurt Hartfelder (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) will play a key part in the Tigers' success. In addition, sophomore Ryan Goldschmidt (Ft. Loramie, Ohio/Ft. Loramie), who led the team in wins, innings pitched and complete games in 2002 as a freshman, sophomore Wayne Massie (Springfield, Ohio/Tecumseh) and freshman Pat Rice (Lancaster, Ohio/Fisher Catholic) return to the staff and will be looked upon to make significant contributions.