UW-La Crosse Season Preview

By Nathan Woelfel

Head Coach: Chris Schwarz (7th Season)
Last Season: 17-23 Overall (9-15 WIAC)

Key Players:
Matt Trocke (Sr.) Inf: Trocke started all 40 games for the Eagles last season. He hit .374 with 4 homeruns and 22 RBI. In the words of head coach Chris Schwarz, “[He] is the epitome of what you want out of a senior.”

Jay Fanta (Jr.) 1B: Fanta will move to first base this season in an effort to replace four-year starter Lance Poppy. Jay led the team with 8 homeruns a year ago.

Mitch Running (So.) RHP: Running had a solid freshman campaign, going 2-2 with a 2.75 ERA in seven starts. He will be the centerpiece of a deep Eagles’ rotation.

Key Loss:
Lance Poppy 1B: While Poppy didn’t have jaw-dropping numbers (.339 batting average 2 HR and 20 RBI) Schwarz stated that his leadership would be missed. UW-L will need someone to step up as a vocal leader to take his place.

Other Prospects:
Cole Cefalu (Fr.) OF: Cefalu heads the incoming freshmen class for the Eagles. Cole is a gifted athlete who should see some playing time, especially in the early part of the year.

Outlook:
La Crosse battled a lot of injuries last season. The Eagles come into 2011 healthy and hungry, but there is no doubt that staying that way remains a priority for Schwarz and his squad.

“Being healthy is number one”, said Schwarz. “Injuries can change a lot of things.”

Taking into account the fact the UW-L returns a fair amount of players who have significant experience, Schwarz expects his team to be, “at or near the top of the conference” by the time all is said and done.

“I don’t think talent separates us-it’s attitude”, said Schwarz. “We have just as much, if not more, talent than anyone else…we expect to win.” 2011 will bring an opportunity for the Eagles to reach their full potential.

“We’ve been good for awhile”, Schwarz said. “It’s our time to be great.”