Pitching will be strength for Canfield

April 9, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

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Last season, the Canfield baseball squad went 19-8 and 7-1 in the All-American Conference, capturing the Red Tier crown en route to a district runner-up finish.

Coach Matt Koenig enters his sixth season with the daunting task of replacing six starters and the leadership of 12 departed seniors.

“Our goal is to repeat as All-American Conference champions and advance beyond the district, knowing full well that will only happen if we get better each and every time out,” Koenig said.

The two starters returning include second baseman Brock McGivern and outfielder Ben Angelo. While several players garnered a spot start a season ago, finding a unit that will jell early in the season can be a challenge — but one that Koenig accepts.

Lost is first baseman Nick Reinthaler (currently playing at Westminster College); catcher Tim Calhoun; shortstop Brett Cooper (a member of the Oberlin College baseball team); third baseman Justin Vrabel; outfielder Kyle Vaclav (a member of the Walsh College football squad); outfielder Joe Hoelzel (currently on the Wright State University baseball team) and pitcher Ron Sullivan (currently throwing for the Westminster College baseball team).

In addition to McGivern and Angelo, four other letterwinners return, including Josh Midgley (first base/pitcher); Brad Smith (pitcher/third baseman); Anthony Ross (catcher) and Jared Bettura (pitcher).

“Pitching is the strength of our team and what we lack in experience we will make up for with the arms of [Brad] Smith, [Jared] Bettura and [Josh] Midgley. They will be our leaders,” Koenig stated.