by Michael Leonard
Sports Editor
Cuyahoga Falls -- The 2007 season was a banner year for Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy baseball team.
CVCA went 21-5, 10-2 in the Principal's Athletic Conference to take the league title and score the most wins in school history.
Outside of a first-round playoff loss to Rootstown, it was a great season, according to Royals coach Jerry Cowley.
Now the bad news: the Royals lost 11 seniors to graduation and must start virtually from scratch with its varsity squad.
In his eighth year as CVCA head coach, Cowley said he knows the season will be a challenge, but remains optimistic.
"It's a big change in personnel," Cowley said. "We're filling the varsity roster with a lot of junior varsity kids from last year. The good thing is they won 22 games themselves last year at the JV level. I think we have a bunch of winners. For the coaching staff, it's pretty fun. We're back to teaching, which is what's it all about."
Tony Gunder returns as Cowley's top varsity assistant coach, while Mark Eger joins the Royals as pitching coach. Kevin Gross will return as head junior varsity coach.
"There's a lot of unknowns, but as coaches, we're excited with how hard they work and they're hungry," Cowley said. "Hopefully, we'll be tough to beat. Obviously, it's rebuilding but who says you can't win in a rebuilding year."
One of the few cornerstone returns for CVCA will be catcher Scott Tipton. A third-year starter behind the plate, Tipton will bat cleanup after hitting .377 with 20 RBIs last season. More importantly, Cowley expected Tipton to handle his young pitching staff.
"He's our team leader and one of our best players," Cowley said. "That's a big plus having him back there. We don't have to worry too much about the catcher position."
Another returning senior is outfielder Justin Beausolei, whom Cowley said could play all three outfield spots this year. Beausolei's speed made his valuable as a pinch runner last season as he hit .286 in limited time.
"He'll see a lot of playing time this year," Cowley said.
Also back is senior infielder Brian Shellhaas, who fill play a utility role for CVCA.
Among the juniors, Cowley said Andrew Peterson will be one of several fighting for a starting pitching spot. The right-hander can also play in the outfield and brings "incredible competitiveness" to the team, according to Cowley.
"He'll be a rotation guy," Cowley said. "We'll figure out the order as the season goes along."
Fellow junior Kyle Gerycz also will be in the mix as a starting pitcher, but also is expected to play first base.
"He hits the ball well, he throws strikes and competes," Cowley said. "He was very successful at the JV level and we're hoping that translates well to varsity."
CVCA got a boost when Zach Butler decided to transfer in from Jackson. After starting at linebacker last fall for the Royals football team, Butler is expected to compete for a starting pitching slot and play as CVCA's everyday shortstop.
Cowley said it's probably good that Bulter is new to CVCA given the large shoes left to fill by PAC-7 player of the year Andrew Patterson, who now plays at Grove City College.
"He understands our history, but there's very little pressure on him," Cowley said.
Junior JT Hicks is another JV call-up who will fill a strarting corner outfield spot.
"He's a strong, left-handed stick with some speed," Cowley said. "He will bat somewhere in the top five."
Cowley said junior Mylan Pribanick (infield), Andy Hoffman (outfield), Ryan Wells (infield/relief pitcher) and Andrew Reitinger (backup catcher/backup first base) all will be in the mix for playing time.
Cowley is very high on three incoming sophomores, beginning with Matt Corpora who expected to start in center field.
"He's a left-handed hitter with a lot of speed," Cowley said. "He'll be a middle of the order guy right off the bat."
Sophomore Zak Knettel looks to be the starter at third base and also may see time in the pitching rotation.
Sophomore Alex Mosteller appears to have the starting nod at second base.
Rounding out the roster is sophomore backup catcher Jordan Judd.
Cowley said he expects Manchester and Triway to be the PAC-7 leaders this season, though he thinks the Royals "might sneak up on somebody for a change."
Among the highlights of a rigorous non-league schedule will be CVCA's participation in the Cuyahoga Falls City Baseball Classic April 12 at Water Works Park.
Weather permitting, CVCA will open its season with a home-and-home PAC-7 series with Tuscarawas Valley. The Royals will host the Trojans March 31 and the travel to Zoarsville April 2 with first pitch both days at 4:30 p.m.
E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com
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