By BUTCH HARMON
Last season was a memorable one for the Chippewa Hills baseball team. The Warriors not only turned in a 27-8 overall record, but they also won conference, district, and regional championships before falling to eventual state champion Grand Rapids Christian in the Division 2 state semifinal.
While key players like Jake Tarbell, Ty Schafer, Devin Esch, Hayden Denslow, Brent Martin, and Shane Travis have graduated, the Warriors do have talent around which to build this spring.
A pair of juniors lead the charge. Infielder Hunter Conley hit .387 last year, with 10 doubles and 26 stolen bases. Outfielder Tyler Kelsey hit .351 a year ago, with seven doubles and three triples. He also went 4-0 as a pitcher. Senior infielder/pitcher Tyler Williams went 4-1 last year on the mound with a 3.68 ERA.
Senior outfielders Trevor Purdy, Nolan Denlsow, and Kavan Peterson return along with senior infielder Jarrett Humpula.
The team will count on a number of newcomers, including freshman Brett Walcutt, sophomores RJ Simon and Kedrick Adams, and juniors Austin Issette, Zack Sellers, Caleb Martin, and Cole Cummings.
“We have good athleticism and versatility this year,” said coach Ben Wright. He looks for Newaygo, Big Rapids, Central Montcalm, Hesperia, Holton, White Cloud, Reed City, and Morley Stanwood to all be solid in the rugged CSAA.