By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
The most challenging obstacle facing the Wright City baseball team this season may be its recent past. The Wildcats return overwhelming talent and experience, meaning expectations are sky high for the senior-laden group. “They want to put their stamp on the program, and their goal is not to stop with districts,” said Coach Dave Chapman. But the Wildcats have not won a district game in over five years and are still feeling the disappointment of last year’s first-round letdown against Duchesne. So, admittedly, talk of a deep playoff run is a stretch based on the program’s recent track record. Chapman expects that to end this spring. “There are some barriers that need to broken down,” asserted Chapman. “There’s going to be a lot of firsts out of this club this year.” Led by seniors Austin Meine and Tyler Tuepker, the Wildcats boast deep pitching and an extremely versatile fielding crew. Many of those tools existed last season as well, but it’s the Wildcats hitting that Chapman believes will make the difference in 2013. “We had some trouble putting runs on the board last year, but I feel like now we’ve got a lot more balanced lineup,” said Chapman. Meine batted a team-best .543 as a junior, collecting 38 hits and 27 RBIs en route to All-State honors. “He came off a really good junior year,” said Chapman. “He’s looking forward to keeping it going.” The four-year varsity competitor will be the Wildcats’ No. 1 pitching option this season, after carrying a 2.19 ERA over 67 innings last season. “Tyler certainly is not too far behind him,” said Chapman. “I told him I expected to see his picture on the all-state wall this year too.” Tuepker, who has started varsity the past two seasons after missing his freshman year with an injury, batted .373 last season. He had 28 hits and seven RBIs. After sporting a 3.17 ERA through 53 innings of work as a junior, he will split time on the mound with Meine. “They both have very good change ups and fast balls,” said Chapman. “I have supreme confidence in either one.” Meine struck out 89 and walked 15, while Tuepker fanned 47 batters and walked 17. Wright City will also rely strongly on senior Carlos Quiles, who brings impacting speed both between the base paths and as an infielder. He batted .313 with 25 hits and 10 RBIs last season, while recording six stolen bases. “He’s a very slick fielder,” said Chapman. “He has a high on-base percentage and baseball IQ. I wouldn’t hesitate to put him anywhere on the field.” Quiles will play second base and bat in the lead-off position. Chapman anticipates a breakout season for junior Austin Marsh, who blossomed in a first baseman in 2012. He will bat second and hitting .274 last spring. “He’s really come on this year,” said Chapman. “He played a lot of ball this summer and improved a lot. He’s a good hit-and-run and sacrifice guy.” Freshman Donovan Mosey is another name Chapman expects to call on frequently this season, with the newcomer having made an immediate impact on the varsity level. “He’s a ballplayer, and he’s going to have a prominent role on this varsity team,” said Chapman. “He’s a big strong kid who can hit the ball.” The Wildcats also have reinforced experience in four-year starter Tony Smythe.
“He’s probably one of the best outfielders we’ve had and controls center,” said Chapman. “He’s a very good defensive player.” Junior Dallas Deroy brings additional explosiveness to the outfield, where Wright City expects to be very sharp in its efforts. “Physically, he’s gotten stronger, and he’ll be controlling right field,” said Chapman. “He makes good contact and has a lot of speed on base.” The Wildcats are needing to replace a starting catcher, and Chapman says Cody Klemp will handle that role. He exhibits confidence in the junior, who has contributed on the varsity level for two seasons. “He’s probably one of the smartest kids on the team when it comes to baseball IQ,” said Chapman.He also speaks highly of sophomore Devin Telkamp, who will play third base, and outfielder Kyle Lang. “We just have a really good collection of kids that can play at lot of different positions,” said Chapman. “It makes it both easy and difficult to make a lineup.” The Wildcats are eager to take the field, having been limited to practicing inside during much of the preseason. This year’s seniors have not won a season opener and were looking to break that streak as they opened at New Haven on Wednesday. “We do have high expectations this year, and now it’s up to us to go out and play,” said Chapman.
Wright City senior Austin Meine will be the starting pitcher for the Wildcats this season.
Bill Barrett Photo.
