Seven year itch: Cardinals trying to repeat ’00 success

Two players were members of Canfield’s Little League state title team from 2000.

By TOM WILLIAMS

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

CANFIELD — When it comes to experience with pressure, the Canfield High baseball team has its fair share of players who have tasted big-game competition.

Seven years ago, left-handed starting pitcher Drew Turocy and outfielder John Pitzulo were 11-year-olds on Canfield Baseball Club’s Little League team that won a state title and competed for a trip to Williamsport, Pa., at the regional tournament in Indianapolis.

As for football, Pitzulo, shortstop Mike Hoelzel, relief pitcher Matt Glove, catcher D.J. Haurin, second baseman Mark Carrocce and infielder Dave Brown were members of Canfield’s 2005 team which finished state runner-up in Division II.

Experience playing at an elite level won’t hurt should the Cardinals (27-4) take the field at Cooper Stadium in Columbus Friday morning against Sandusky Perkins (24-5) in a Div. II state semifinal.

Last Friday, the Cards qualified for the school’s third state appearance when they were awarded a 7-0 forfeit against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin in the regional final at Hudson.

This morning in Chardon, a Geauga County court will rule on a temporary restraining order on whether the game should be finished.

Tuesday, the Cards practiced as if their state date was the only thing on their calendar.

Different situation

For Turocy, things have changed quite a bit since he was 11 starting on a team of 12-year-olds.

“I was a left-handed catcher back then,” said Turocy of the Little League team coached by John Morris. “Joe Rosko was the pitcher and no one was able to catch him because he threw so hard.

“So I said I would do it, give me the task,” said Turocy, who agreed that his team has a similar assignment this week.

“It’s all about competition,” said Turocy, who has a baseball scholarship to attend the University of Akron where his brother, Frank, is a pitcher. “Back then, it was about competition against the best kids from area states.

“And at state, competition is going to be great down there as well. This couldn’t be better,” said Turocy of finishing his varsity career at state. “I am looking forward to it.

“Everyone said last year was our year to go, but we came out this year and surprised a lot of people.”

Last year, Canfield lost a regional semifinal game to Alliance.

Pitzulo, who patrols left field, is happy for another chance.

“We didn’t get to Williamsport, which is where all Little League players want to go,” Pitzulo said. “Now we have a chance to do what all high school players want — state. So we’re excited.”

Hoelzel was a wide receiver and defensive back for Mike Pavlansky’s football team which lost to Toledo Central Catholic, 31-29, in the title game at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon.

Sinking in

Hoelzel said this state trip will sink in when the team leaves for Columbus Thursday.

“State is nice, but we came up a little short and then you have to live with it,” Hoelzel said. “In your senior year, it’s your last chance to prove something.

“Hopefully we can do something for this school that hasn’t been done in a team sport,” Hoelzel said.

“It’s nice for the whole community and you know that you represent them,” said Hoelzel, who added that community reaction has been extremely positive. “Hopefully a lot of the community can go.

“I know a lot of people from school are going to go down for the weekend,” Hoelzel said. “Hopefully Friday is not the only day we play.”

Glove, a three-year varsity offensive lineman and a relief pitcher for Coach Matt Koenig, said another state contest “is a great feeling.

“I have kind of taken a back role in getting here but every [teammate] takes part in getting to state. You can’t just have one pitcher,” he said.

Glove is the Cards’ long reliever.

“Obviously, I haven’t been in the lineup very much. During the season, I was our fourth starter,” Glove said. “We’ve played so many great opponents, not only in football but also in baseball.

“When we opened with Warren Harding, we faced [Tom] Popadak, one of the best pitchers in the state. We got a victory there so we knew right off the bat we were off to a great season.

“Going down to Columbus is awesome,” said Glove, who added that the team will have company. “There aren’t going to be many people [in class on Friday].”

williams@vindy.com