BY MICHAEL DAVID

Donnie Green enters his third season as head coach of the Wood River varsity baseball team with more optimism than he can fit under his ball cap.

In his first year, he had one lone senior on his squad. Last year he had just two.

This year, there are nine seniors on the Wolverine team who, along with several juniors, will be looking to finish building their legacy on baseball diamonds across Idaho.

“I talk with these players all the time about the legacy they have built.  I tell them about the future Wolverines at the ball field, watching every move they make,” Green said. “These kids have been playing together since they were 5 years old, and this is their chance to make things happen. They have embraced the opportunity to put their permanent mark of excellence on Wood River baseball.”

There is an old adage in baseball that pitching and defense win championships.  If true, this year’s Wolverine baseball should be contending for championships.  There are eight pitchers on the team. And according to Coach Green, most would start for other teams.  Green plans on a four starter rotation and four more pitchers giving quality innings for Wood River in relief appearances.

Defensively, this team has outfielders with range and powerful and accurate arms.  Junior Owen Gifford roams centerfield, and has already robbed opposing batters during preseason games this year.  Senior Dylan Broman and his strong arm will be a fixture in left field. And Mikey Levy and Christian Hovey will see significant time in right field. 

Alec Nordsieck takes his familiar position at shortstop, and Cade Schott will aptly fill in at short when Alec is on the pitching mound.  And Adrian Rojas anchors the infield defense at first base.

Football sensation Gunner Gibson trades in his football shoes for baseball cleats and leather, manning the hot corner for the Wolverines.  Nic Tidwell, Nelson Cantrell, Brock Mary and Reed Whitehead will handle the duties at second base and don the catcher’s gear behind the dish for Wood River. Also seeing action for the Wolverines—Ike Buxton, Lane Felge, and Kyle Nelson.

Coach Green is confident that this year’s team will not have problems scoring runs:  “We are very strong from the top to the bottom of the lineup.”

In the first three games this season, Green was encouraged watching his hitters working deep in the counts, seeing a lot of pitches. “The kids are showing discipline at the plate, which is impressive this early in the season.   They are also playing great team baseball on offense, moving base runners with productive outs.”

“On paper, 1-9, we are as good as anybody this year,” he added. “It is just a matter of executing on the ball field.”

The team will make their second trip to the Coach Bob Invitational in Arizona over Spring Break. They leave today to face tough competition from schools outside of Idaho. The coaches see this as a valuable opportunity to bond the team together as a group, build team unity, have fun and prepare the team for conference play and the district tournament.

Coach Green sees conference foes Twin Falls and Minico fielding strong teams this year. He expects Burley and Canyon Ridge to be very competitive and knows that Jerome will always battle hard, especially against the Wolverines.

“Win lose or draw, our goal is to always play championship baseball,” Green said.  “That means playing unselfishly, hustling on and off the field, being where you are supposed to be, and playing as a team. If that is the mindset, the games will take care of themselves.  But make no mistake, we expect to go to the State Tournament and we expect to win State.”

Green is assisted by Greg Herrick and Jim Bradley.  The Junior Varsity team is coached by Jesse Neet, assisted by Juan Martinez.

The Wolverines will be in action following Spring Break at Founders Field in Hailey.  Come on out to watch this exciting group of student athletes.  Look for schedule and news regarding the 2016 Wolverines on Eye on Sun Valley.  eyeonsunvalley.com and on Facebook and Twitter.