Junior Tyler Tuepker is about to begin his third varsity season on the Wright City baseball team. He will be one of the Wildcats’ most experienced competitors, but he has never played a single game on the Wildcats’ home field. It’s a simple opportunity that will carry a special meaning when it finally happens. Tuepker missed his entire freshman season with an injury, and construction on the athletic complex forced the Wildcats to play at Ruge Park during his sophomore campaign. “I’m excited and looking forward to it,” said Tuepker. He, along with fellow junior Austin Meine and senior Greg Hobusch, will be expected to lead the Wildcats this season. What first-year coach Dave Chapman calls “The Big Three” will take on considerable responsibility in 2012. “The’ve been emerging as role models and leaders,” said Chapman. “Baseball is their main sport, so they’ve taken it very seriously. Austin and Greg are more vocal leaders, while Tyler tends to lead by example.” If offseason commitment and previous numbers carry any weight, this crew should be equipped to meet their own lofty goals. “After every practice, we’ve had five to 10 players staying after to catch ground balls or take extra batting practice,” said Meine. “Just doing the small things to further our talent and get more Meine, who acknowledges baseball is his No. 1 sport, was a leader both at the plate and on the mound in 2011. He batted a team-best .400 with 22 hits, while pitching 47 innings. “We’re under new coaching, and I feel like everyone’s attitude about the program is that much higher,” said Miene. “We want to distinguish ourselves from teams in the past. Last year we had a good team, but I feel like the chemistry wasn’t there, and this year it is.” Hobusch will start at catcher again after batting .355 with 22 hits last season. “As a captain, I’ve got to focus on keeping everybody up and not let myself get down like I have the past couple years,” said Hobusch. Tuepker says he is still making up for lost time, after having to watch his entire freshman season from the dugout. Countless summer games and 24 innings on the mound last season have groomed him for this moment. “I want to really turn this program around, and I think we have a great season ahead of us,” said Tuepker. “I want to show people that if we put the time and effort in, there’s going to be a good outcome.” His 1.77 ERA was a team-best last season. Tuepker says he would like to improve on his plate accuracy after batting .241 as a sophomore. The trio have set the bar high for a program that hasn’t won a district title since 2006. “We’re looking to bring home a conference championship, and we feel like we’ve got a good shot to do that,” said Meine. What separates this team from those of the past few seasons? “The chemistry, for one,” said Hobusch. “Most of us have been around each other for three years now. We’ve built up a great chemistry with each other.” He says a trip into the postseason shouldn’t be out of the Wildcats’ sights. “We have lot more confidence this year,” added Tuepker. “Last year we didn’t even get on the field to practice until our first game.” Wright City will open its season on Monday against Pacific in the Four Rivers Tournament. “Hopefully we can come out strong early and make a statement,” said Hobusch.