By Jeff Kontz, sports editor

Falcon baseball has no doubt been through a tough first half of the season, dropping 13 of their first 16 games. While weather has impaired the team’s practices, and a majority of their losses have come at the hands of tough opponents, Head Coach Derek Leppert is optimistic about the start of Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference games.

“We’ve suffered a lot of injuries and academic issues, but we have to use the guys we’ve got,” Leppert said. “Our season starts now.”

The Falcons have seen exceptional play from sophomore Casey Schweninger through the nonconference schedule.

“Casey has done great driving in runs from the leadoff position. He’s either been driving in runs or running them in himself,” said Leppert.

Nick Wilczynski and Brock Vizner have also played well from the mound. Wilczynski has earned two of the Falcons’ three wins.

The team is excited for the conference opener against Ottawa on Friday. The West Side Athletic Field has been maintained well despite the inclement weather, and the team seems more than happy to do the work necessary to keep the home field in good condition.

Leppert also pointed out that athletic director Joe Zimmerman, head trainer Robin Johnson and director of purchasing Ryan Archer have been a great help in getting the field ready to play on.
The Falcons play the Ottawa Braves at 1 p.m. Friday on the West Side Athletic Field.