Lakeland on the Rise

Head Coach: Chris Thousand (Fifth season at Lakeland, 2010 Northern Athletics Conference Coach of the Year) 

Last Season: 21-19 overall, 12-10 in the Northern Athletics Conference

Key Players
David Novak (Sr.) Catcher:  A product of Algoma, Novak is four doubles and 22 RBI away from the all-time Lakeland career records for those categories. 

Mike Ruzek (Jr.) RHP: Ruzek, from Manitowoc redshirted last year but is expected to be a huge piece of the team this year. In 2009, he was a first team All-NAC performer as a starting pitcher and Lakeland will need him to perform to that level if they hope to contend.

Andy Chitwood  (So.) RHP: The Rookie of the Year in the Northern Athletics Conference a year ago. The sophomore will look to improve on his freshmen campaign that saw him go 5-1 with a 3.66 ERA.  

  

Other Top Players

Matt Katzman (Sr.) RHP: Out of Sauk Prairie. The senior  has gotten better every year and will look to finish his career with a bang.

Erik Kozey Jr. The team's top reliever last year, and should throw even more innings this year.

Impact Freshmen:

Anthony Lutz: From Neenah, a good left handed stick who should contribute at 1B and DH
Tim Kuchenbecker: From Brillion, a good left handed stick who should play in the outfield
Tyler Pfefferle: From Seymour, a very solid player that will see time in the outfield
Brent Steudel: A catcher from Hortonville, very strong fundamentals and quick learner
Ryan Boettcher: A shortstop from Bonduel who has very nice range and strong arm

Projected Starting Rotation:

Matt Katzman Sr.
Mike Ruzek Jr.
Andy Chitwood So.
Garret Morris Jr. From Janesville, had good Soph. year last year, and is looking for more this year
Derek Loomans Fr. From Waupun, has solid velocity and location of his pitches 

Outlook:

Lakeland hopes to reach the post-season by finishing in the top four in conference. With a very young and exciting group, consistency will be key if that goal will be reached.  

The Muskies will be led by a veteran pitching staff, especially in in the starting rotation where they have a lot of conference innings logged. 

"The growth of the pitching staff will be key," said head coach Chris Thousand in an e-mail.  "We return several key arms in the starting rotation but will need people to step up in the bullpen."

"The young offense will need to mature fast and play with a lot of confidence. Again, consistency will be a huge factor on how well we will play on the offensive end."  

Thousand expects his team to get better as the year goes on and to hit their stride by the season's end, which he hopes is in the NAC Tournament and beyond.