February 17, 2022
Season Preview: Baseball is Back
Baseball along with some many of our sports their first season as a program was cut short due to Covid. Along with not playing a season last spring. The guys having been waiting patiently for this season start. Season begins with some non-conference series against Bethesda. Then we go straight into conference season against Embry-Riddle and Simpson at home. The warriors will be taking their first season in the Cal Pac Conference and the NAIA. We asked Coach Shermet about his team, the adversity they have had to overcome and his outlook on the season.
By: SID Chase dodge
Baseball along with some many of our sports in their first season as a program back in 2020 was cut short due to Covid. Along with not playing a season last spring 2021. The guys having been waiting patiently for this season to start. The season begins with some non-conference series against Bethesda. Then we go straight into conference season against Embry-Riddle and Simpson at home. The warriors will be in their first season in the Cal Pac Conference and the NAIA. We asked Coach Shermet about his team and his outlook on the season.
1. A Year has passed with absolutely no baseball games. What was that year like for you, the coaches and players?
"It was a slow year. There was a bit of a let down and getting used to the idea that we wouldn't have any games took a while. There was more time off from the field than we are used to and I monitored the results of other teams/schools. So we concentrated on grades and doing well in class which turned out to be what happened as our team GPA last semester was 3.20."
2. You have a few newcomers to the team. What can you tell us about them and what they bring to the team?
"We have a lot of newcomers who will be impact players for us. Ricky Holloman is a former All American junior college infielder from Minnesota. Matt Smith has been voted a team captain and will play a variety of major roles for us. Keith Hale is quite athletic and will bolster our outfield."
3. You have a few returners from last season. What can you tell us about them and what they bring to the team?
"Eddie Vokes returns and will be a big part of our pitching rotation. Trevor Commerford is a big right handed pitcher and brings a great repertoire of pitches. Desi Garcia is our number one pitcher and brings his senior leadership back to our team."
4. Talk about your team captains this year, who are your leaders and why are they your leaders?
"Our team captains are Ray Moore Jr. and Matt Smith. Ray has been our third baseman for the last three years and was a team captain last year. He hits in the middle of our order and has been a big producer for us. Matt Smith is a natural leader and very quickly gained the respect of our entire team. He will be in our outfield this year and may also pitch for us."
5. Talk about the schedule coming up this year, what are some opponents we should be looking forward to facing?
"We have a very challenging schedule this season coming up. There are numerous top 25 teams such as Benedictine Mesa and Saint Katherine. St. Katherine and Westcliff usually play some very intense games. Every game we play feels as if it's a playoff game."
6. Talk about heading into Cal Pac and NAIA play, how exciting is it for your players to see how they stack up in conference play?
"The excitement is palpable. After not playing the last year and a half, we are pretty fired up to get on the field and see how we do against stiff competition. We've played a few inter squad games but we are looking forward to playing other schools. We'll know very quickly if we're any good as we play Bethesda in our opening weekend."
"My goals are always to make the playoffs and represent Westcliff University on the field and off with class and integrity."
Season opener series will be on February 18th-19th against the Bethesda Flames.