A new coach will rely on a trio of seniors and a sophomore to lead the Menominee Indian High School baseball team this season.
New Eagles coach Chris Rice takes over a program that went 5-9 a year ago under Michael Waupoose, finishing in eighth-place with a 3-6 conference record.
“It’s my first year ever coaching baseball,” Rice said. “We’re trying to stress fundamentals, getting good footwork and working on the basics of baseball. We’re trying not to beat ourselves and be in every game that we can be in.”
With 24 athletes in the program and nine returning letter winners, the coach will have a nice group to work with.
Leading the way will be Ty Latender, a shortstop/pitcher who was a second-team all-conference selection who hit .353 last year as a freshman.
“A high batting average, especially for a freshman,” Rice said. “I think he’s going to have another big year. … He’s going to be a great asset to us.”
Lowell Chevalier, a senior pitcher/first baseman, will also add a dangerous bat the to Eagles’ lineup.
“Lowell has a good stick on him. He’s been working really hard,” Rice said. “He went down to a camp in Florida this winter and has been working really hard on his game and in the weight room.”
Chevalier was an honorable mention a year ago and first-team all-conference selection as a sophomore.
“All around the board in the batting cages we’re hitting extremely well right now,” Rice said. “I know it’s just batting cages, but we’ll see how it translates on the field.”
Also back are all-conference honorable mention seniors Richard Corn, pitcher/outfield/first base, and Dallas Madosh, pitcher/catcher/infield.
The four returnees and junior Michael Pecore will share time on the mound for the Eagles.
“What time that is? We haven’t had a chance to really get a good look at them yet. We’ll see,” Rice said.
Juniors Mario Waupoose, infield/outfield, John Maskewit, outfield, Waylon Penass, outfield and sophomore Nick Corn, infield/outfield are returning letter winners and will fight for spots with newcomers seniors Zoar Doud, infield/outfield/catcher, and Dylan Osh, third base, and junior Forrest Webster, outfield.
Rice, who has taught at Menominee Indian the last three years, knows the Central Wisconsin Conference-8 will be competitive, with Rosholt, last year’s undefeated champion, as the favorite.
“I know Rosholt is a powerhouse in this conference,” Rice said. “You also have good teams in Tigerton, who beat us last year. The conference is very even, besides Rosholt.
“I think it’s going to be a fun year.”
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