The expectations are high among a team that returns its star power, including a core of three solid veteran leaders. The Wildcats feel a shot at a postseason run is not out of the question in 2009. Second-year coach James Adams says he isn't going to make any predictions but he also isn't discouraging his team from postseason talk. "I'm not going to promising a district title before the season has started but with the group we've got coming back, it is a possibility for us," said Adams. "I can guarantee that we will competitive. Looking back at last year, we were consistent. This year we want that consistency to be more positive." Adams says his players haven't gotten a handful of games that slipped from their grasp during a disappointing 7-9 campaign last spring. "I think those seniors see last year as a lot of lost opportunities," said Adams. "There were games we just had too many errors or walks in, and they know this year we've got to steer clear of that." That senior class begins with three primary contributors - all who will see time on the mound. Adam Springmeyer returns for his fourth year of varsity and is what Adams labels teams' most versatile athlete. He will serve a frequent starting role as pitcher but also play a number of positions, possibly even catcher. Last year Springmeyer struck out 49 batters and carried a 5.30 ERA through 37 innings pitched. "Coming into the preseason I didn't have any catching candidates," said Adams. "But I've had several guys step up and one of those was Adam. I didn't realize he had caught during his (select league), and he said he'd be willing to play as much catcher as possible." If Springmeyer does find his role behind the plate, he will working with either Dalton Koch or fellow senior Jared Sitze. Both are returning varsity experience and should see considerable time on the mound. Koch fanned 37 batters in 27 innings of play. "This year I expect those top three guys to be more consistent in finding the strike zone," said Adams. He reflected on the amount of walks the Wildcats gave up last season. Opponents typically got three base runners on during each inning via walks, putting considerable pressure on the defense. Adams says the younger players are really looking up to the nucleus of Springmeyer, Koch and Sitze. He also says the teams attitude has shifted. "The guys are so much more positive this year," said Adams. "Part of that has to do with us getting to practice outside so much already." Last season Wright City did not get an outdoor practice in until after its first game because of inclement weather. The improved conditions this season have enabled Adams to get a clean look at which personnel will fit best into certain roles. Beyond Springmeyer, Alan Barber and Nick Mack will also likely see time at the catcher position. Koch will manning first base when not handling starting pitching duties. At second base, senior Ryan Menefee and junior Jake Zumwalt could both serve a pivotal role. Adams sees Mike Brittian falling into the shortstop job, with Springmeyer also able to play that role. Mack or Brittian will pick up the slack at third base. Adams says his outfield positions are not locked in and could shift throughout the season. Sitze will spend time in centerfield. He will be joined by a pair of underclassmen in Brandon Bote and Nathan Adair. Bote, just a sophomore was brought up last year and quickly impressed Adams with a .263 average, good enough for seventh place on the team. The good news for Wright City is that five of its top eight hitters from 2008 remain on the roster. Springmeyer batted a team best .489, collecting 22 hits and driving in eight runs. Sitze hit .378 and had 17 hits. Koch followed with a .327 average. Adams certainly has faith in his team's offensive ability. But he says preventing errors and meltdowns and defense will be a deciding factor this season. Adams adds that his team's most valuable asset is probably is versatility. "Just about everyone on this team can play multiple positions," said Adams. "That is reassuring for me as a coach." The resources do not end there. "We've also got speed and quickness," said Adams. "But maybe even more important for us is the amount of experience." The Wildcats will open the season at home against Warrenton on Monday at 4:30 p.m.