Iel Baseball
In predicted order of finish:
Coeur d’Alene Vikings
1998 records: 19-11 overall, 12-4 league
Current record: 2-3
Coach: Brian Holgate, 3rd year
Top returners: Kirk Gosch, sr., lhp/rf; Vince Rossi, sr., 3b/rhp; Brad Ross, junior, catcher; Pat Goodwin, sr., ss/of; Rob Crain, sr., cf; Ryan Holland, jr., rhp/2b.
Top newcomers: Robert Green, jr., 1b/rhp; Blake Whiteman, sophomore, of/lhp; Kyle Ahlf, soph., inf.
Coach’s comments: “I think we’re in the running (for a state title). We’re not going to sneak up on anybody that’s for sure. The kids expect to be in the running.”
Outlook: The Viks should cruise to league and regional titles. But they may not have the all-around horses to challenge heavily favored Timberlake (the new school that split from previous power Boise). Gosch is the best all-around player in the league.
Lewiston Bengals
1998 records: 21-6, 13-3
Current record: 1-2
Coach: Tom Grunenfelder, 6th year
Top returners: Scott Wimer, sr., c; Steve Storey, jr., rhp; Derek Bruce, soph., ss.
Top newcomers: Ryan Clark, jr., of/lhp; Brad Harding, sr., rhp; Neil Litchfield, cf/rhp; Eric Ohrtman, sr., 1b; Norman Marcell, jr., rhp; John Steinwand, soph., rhp.
Coach’s comments: “It’s easily the youngest team I’ve had. They can play, it’s just a matter of adjusting to varsity. We’ll go through some growing pains early. But hopefully we’ll turn it on by the end of the season.”
Outlook: Rebuilding? Not a term one commonly associates with a tradition-rich program. But it’s true here. The Bengals were gutted by graduation, and they’ll start six sophomores. It’s the best sophomore class in some time. By season’s end, Grunenfelder will have the Bengals poised to challenge for second state berth.
Moscow Bears
1998 records: 24-7, 11-0 in IML
Current record: 0-1
Coach: Mike Peterson, 2nd year
Top returners: Adam Bush, jr., rhp/3b; Francis Reyes, sr., 2b/rhp; Chris Walker, sr., ss/rhp; Jon Shupe, sr., c/rhp.
Top newcomers: Trent Baysinger, jr., lhp/cf; Karl Krehbiel, sr., rhp/rf.
Coach’s comments: “I’m really optimistic that we’ll be where we need to be when it counts. The competitive schedule should help. We’ll either rally to it or we’re going to be in trouble.”
Outlook: The Bears move up from A-2, but they should make a smooth transition in a year where second place appears wide open. Moscow has plenty of solid athletes who can play multiple positions.
Post Falls Trojans
1998 records: 11-12, 6-10
Current record: 3-1
Coach: John Pettoello, 7th year
Top returners: Andy Mikles, sr., rhp/inf; Josh Hocking, sr., c; Matt Schrag, sr., cf; Scott Klaudt, jr., ss; Evan Sloyka, sr., 3b; Ty Smith, jr., rhp.
Top newcomers: Sean Meadows, soph., 2b; Neil Bangs, soph., 1b/of.
Coach’s comments: “We don’t have that much talent, but I love their work ethic. This is the first time in four years that I’ve enjoyed going to practice. They’re great kids.”
Outlook: Post Falls will take some lumps at times, but if it can find some consistent hitting the Trojans could be difficult to deal with by season’s end. The Trojans are raw, but should improve as season progresses.
Lake City Timberwolves
1998 records: 6-22, 3-13
Current record: 1-4
Coach: Cory Bridges, 5th year
Top returners: Sean Moglia, sr., 2b/rhp; Chad Keefer, sr., of; Darin Tomlinson, jr., c; Jasper Graham, sr., cf; Tim Gittel, jr., 3b.
Top newcomers: Brian Bell, jr., rhp; John Graham, sr., inf; Matt Moering, sr., rhp; Kyle Myers, jr., rhp.
Coach’s comments: “Some people say that pitching is 90 percent of the game in high school. We still need to get some pitching. Until we get some pitching it’s hard to say you’re going to be a dominant team.”
Outlook: Or a competitive team. Realistically, LC hasn’t made much progress in building a program since the school opened. While most other programs have developed at LC, baseball lags behind - especially compared to the program across town. LC should have a decent hitting lineup, but after that it’s guess work.
Sandpoint Bulldogs
1998 records: 12-14, 6-10
Current record: 2-0
Coach: Al Beard, 1st year
Top returners: Jens Weiden, sr., lhp/1b; Josh Sears, jr., 2b/c; Matt Scott, ss/rhp; Steve Babin, soph., c; Robert Bogadi, jr., 3b.
Top newcomers: Logan Reichart, jr., rhp/ of; Jeremy Vasquez, sr., cf; Jimmie Jensen, soph., of; Luke Radonich, soph., lhp/1b.
Coach’s comments: “Our weakness is pitching. We’ll pitch by committee in the second game of all doubleheaders. We’re just young and inexperienced at the varsity level.”
Outlook: Bulldogs were hit hard by graduation, but Beard is committed to building a program. He’s the fourth coach this decade. Sandpoint’s future is in its youth.
PLAYERS TO WATCH Kirk Gosch, senior, left-handed pitcher/right fielder, Coeur d’Alene Sean Moglia, senior, 2b/right handed pitcher, Lake City Andy Mikles, senior, right handed pitcher/infielder, Post Falls Scott Wimer, senior, catcher, Lewiston Jens Weider, senior, left-handed pitcher/first baseman, Sandpoint