By Jeff Kontz, sports editor

The Falcon baseball team looks to turn heads this year in the KCAC after the previous season fell short of expectations. The 2010 team will feature many young players and a few big time seniors.

Despite the team’s inexperience, Head Coach Derek Leppert thinks this team can be successful.

“I think we were more talented last year as a team, but I think this year’s team is actually a team, which will lead to more wins,” Leppert said.

Working on pitching and defense this offseason came secondary to working as a team to make up for lost talent. One of the key losses for Friends is star shortstop Austin Stading to graduation. However, the team is hoping it will continue to build success at other positions to account for Stading.

Nick Wylczynski and Josh Tucker, both seniors, will look to lead the Falcons from the mound along with Kirk Kelly, junior, and Mike Lewis, senior. Other Falcons to watch this season will be outfielders Greg Collins, junior transfer from Murray State Community College, and TJ Lawless, senior. Senior Cameron Sell will make the transition from outfield to catcher this season as well.

The Falcons are ranked fourth in the preseason in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, and Leppert said that’s right where they belong. The season won’t officially start for the Falcons until Feb. 17 at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kan., because the opening three games were canceled because of weather.

Friends will return home Feb. 27 to open on the new field, West Side Athletic Field, 571 N. McLean Blvd., against Morningside College.