By Bailey Jacobs, general assignment reporter
The Friends University Falcons baseball team has new talent and high expectations for its 2010-2011 season.
"Whenever we are on the field, we are ready to perform,” said Evan Gilbert, sophomore outfielder. “I feel like we honestly improve each time we play.”
Adam Neisius has been hired as the Falcons’ head coach for the new season. Neisius was the assistant head coach at the University of Nebraska Kearney for the previous two years.
"My No. 1 priority will be to make sure each student-athlete in the baseball program is successful in the classroom, on the field and in the community," Neisius said.
The team has been under transformation since fall conditioning, when Neisius began his new program with scrimmages and inter-squad games.
"It's never easy changing coaches, but Neisius has done a great job working with all of the players, returning and new," sophomore pitcher Jake DeMott said.
The players continue to improve as the season progresses. The Falcons have played 13 games so far. They have won four, tied one and lost eight. The baseball team’s last win was against Oklahoma Wesleyan on March 2.
Key players this season include Todd Kruse, Anthony Allen, Taylor Doan, Matt McAlister and Dan Camacho.
"The players worked hard and are starting to understand what we expect from them on an individual and daily basis both on and off the field," Neisius said.
The top returners for the Falcons are senior infielder Taylor Doan, senior right-handed pitcher Kirk Kelly, senior designated hitter Dan Camacho, junior outfielder Greg Collins, junior catcher Chance Kennedy, sophomore left-handed pitcher Jake DeMott and sophomore outfielders Evan Gilbert and Casey Schweninger.
The top newcomers for the Falcons are junior right-handed pitcher Anthony Allen, junior left-handed pitcher Todd Kruse, junior right-handed pitcher Dustin Lamb, junior first baseman Scott McNally, junior third baseman Blake Moss, junior outfielder Nick Spizawk, sophomore catcher Matt McAllister, freshman left-handed pitcher Matt Elliott and freshman right-handed pitchers Rylan Sankey and Ryan Wooldridge.
The baseball team will face Clarke University at 2 p.m. this Friday at West Side Athletic Field on 599 N. McLean.