PREP BASEBALL PREVIEW Campbell tries to forget last year's regional loss

The Red Devils are hoping for another chance this season.
By JOHN BASSETTI
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
Wayne Zetts can't bring himself to look at any reminder of Campbell Memorial's regional semifinal against Elyria Catholic last spring.
"That was probably the worst loss I've ever experienced, and that includes losing in Columbus. It's because of the way we lost."
In that game, the Division III regional at Ducky Schroeder Field in Massillon, Campbell took a 4-2 lead on Mark Such's home run in the top of the 11th inning.
Then Elyria came back to score three runs.
He was comparing it to state tournament games on three occasions when the Red Devils came up short in either the championship or semifinals.
Beat themselves
"In the state championships, we lost, we got beat. Last year, we beat ourselves, especially after taking the lead in the 11th," said Zetts, beginning his 24th season as head coach.
Getting off to a fast start this year may help down the road -- in Massillon.
"Offensively, we'll be fine. Our defense and starting pitching will be key. If we get both, everything should work the way it's supposed to be. We've got to come out of the gate fast. We can't struggle coming out. We're still a little disappointed we didn't advance last year."
Campbell lost three starters: A.J. DiRienzo, Anthony Rossodivita and No. 1 pitcher, Jason Metzka.
"We're hoping Ricky Quinn will come through," Zetts said of his new ace, who already combined with Lonnie McQueen for a 12-0 five-inning no-hitter against Springfield in the season opener.
Five basketball stars out
Quinn is one of five basketball players who will be starters for Zetts along with Chris Melnik, Antoni S. Zembillas, Lou Samonas and Stan Gozur. Quinn, Melnik and Zembillas are seniors; Samonas and Gozur are juniors.
When not pitching, Quinn will play shortstop. McQueen played center field as a freshman; now, as a sophomore, he returns to center, along with some duty at shortstop. Zembillas, known as "Big Z", plays second. A cousin, Antoni T. Zembillas, also known as "Little Z", is a junior who plays third.
Such should be the big bat again. Last year he hit .395.
"He's 40 percent of our offense," Zetts said of the senior who will need ACL surgery after the season. "Doctors gave him the green light, provided he wear a brace.
Such, however, won't be catching behind the plate this season because of the injury from football.
"He'll play first base and pitch or he may be the designated hitter, depending on the condition of his knee," said Zetts. "It might be a game-to-game thing with him. If he could put up good numbers for us again this year, we'll be fine. But losing him would be a big blow. He's our only legitimate long-distance threat."
Stankich returns
Matt Stankich, a junior, sat out last year, but will play short and center. Spelling Such at first will be Craig DiRienzo, a junior who will also play the outfield.
Besides the right-handed Quinn and McQueen, other Red Devils on the mound will be Gozur, Stankich and first-year player Aaron McGuire, a senior.
"We'll just take what we've got and build on it," Zetts said of the 17 players. "It seems like we can't get past that number. But it only takes nine to go."
Before a couple of younger players backed out, Zetts thought he'd have his first JV team in 17 years.
"We have three freshmen who we think will be pretty good down the road. But, due to the lack of a JV team, they'll use the varsity as a learning process."
Freshmen prospects
Those freshmen already saw action against Springfield, but the extent of the rest of their playing time will be sporadic.
"They'll get a chance, now and then, depending who we play," Zetts said.
Maybe down the road -- in Massillon.
Should the Red Devils reach the regional again, Zetts hopes there are changes -- and a better outcome.
"We're hoping to learn from last year and get beyond that finishing point. The kids know what we have to do, but a little luck goes a long way. Last year, we played Friday and came back Sunday because of lack of lights. I wish get they'd get lighting or change the site."
bassetti@vindy.com