A wealth of experience returns for the Wright City baseball team following a 14-11 finish from last spring.Toss in the return of a power threat, and Coach Shannon Wells believes his team might be in position for a breakthrough season.“We want to try to improve on our record from last year, and we feel like we have the potential to do that,” said the second-year coach. “Our goal is to try to win conference. We want to focus on one game at a time.”Still slightly bitter from a first-round exit in the district tournament last year, Wells says the Wildcats have their sights set much higher.“We need to advance farther and hopefully win a district title and move into the playoffs,” said Wells.Wright City will rely on Devin Telkamp for leadership, as one of five seniors on the team. He will be counted on as the ace and also play shortstop if needed.“He’s capable of setting a great example for our younger guys, and we also have a lot of juniors looking to step up and provide leadership,” said Wells. “He is a strong kid who can throw for long perids.”That junior crew includes a dangerous dose of speed and athleticism.Kyle Tuepker will likely be the second option on the mound, having gone 4-1 last year during his first season pitching.“He’s probably not going to be a strikeout pitcher yet, but I think he’s still learning the position pretty well,” said Wells. “He’s a crafty lefty who puts the ball in spots well.”Tuepker will also be expected to deliver at the plate, having batted .324 with 23 hits and 26 RBIs a year ago.Senior Adam North is also expected to provide pitching depth.“We’re trying to make sure our arms are healthy so when it comes to district time we can advance in the playoffs,” said Wells.Junior Troy Muse will provide speed at centerfield,  hoping to build on a .380 average at the plate from last spring.Tyler Brittain and Andrew Pfuhl, both juniors, will handle the right field and left field positions, respectively.“We’re going to put a lot more pressure on those guys to lead the team by example and make big plays,” said Wells, of the junior cast.The Wildcats are particularly excited about the return of junior Donovan Mozee, who played his freshman year before sitting out last season. He will play first base and also possibly pitch, but his greatest contribution will likely be at the plate.“Mozee is swinging the bat good and has a lot of power,” said Wells. “It gives us a legitimate power threat after having just three home runs all last year.”Wright City managed just two home runs all last season as a team. Mozee hit three home runs alone during his freshman season.At second base, the Wildcats will employ Alec Lampharter, who may also see time in the outfield.Sophomore Justin Bote returns to his third base role, with Tuepker and Telkamp sharing duties at shortstop.Junior Chase Jones brings back experience behind the plate as the Wildcats starting catcher, but with Pfuhl also capable of playing that position, the options are flexible.“We want to try getting him out in the field a little bit more this year,” said Wells. “He’ll be pretty solid for us behind the plate. His arm strength has gotten really good.”Jones will lead off the batting order with Tuepker and Muse following. Mozee will line up in the fourth spot.“We’re looking for him to really drive in some runs,” said Wells. “It can strike a little fear into some pitchers against us.”Pfuhl and Jones returns as team leaders with 28 hits — with the Wildcats having lost top hitter Austin Marsh to graduation.Pfuhl batted .418 with 20 RBIs last season, while Jones hit .384.Brittain hit .361 with 22 hits and used his speed to generate a team-best 31 runs scored.“I think our lineup is pretty solid,” said Wells. “From one to nine, there’s not too many kinks in our armor. If everybody is hitting we have the potential of scoring a lot of runs quickly.”WILDCATS RETURN STRONG JUNIOR CLASSDerrick Forsythe photo.