Aaron Trumbull brings the heat. (Shelli Trumbull photos)
Jake Tumblin anchors the team behind the plate and on the base paths, where he was a base-stealing whiz last season.
The Payne boys ride again, with Cole (right) joining big brother Morgan.
Willie Smith would love to have a lineup of home-run hitters, but there’s one problem. Sort of.
“I haven’t received my supply of deer antler serum yet, so we will be more of a run-producing team,” joked the Coupeville High School baseball coach.
While he may not have any Ray Lewis-style enhanced players, Smith does have a roster deep with talent. A squad dominated by juniors and sophomores, it is virtually man-for-man the same lineup that won a state title with the Central Whidbey Junior Little League in 2010.
“This group has been playing at the varsity level since they were freshman,” Smith said. “They have made huge strides since they were freshman and are ready to take the next step towards being the successful team they’re capable of.”
It will start with an offense that will look to manufacture runs, instead of relying on big boppers. Though, if the dingers show up, that’s fine, too.
“We have good team speed and are focusing on the small ball element of the game, which is what I like anyway,” Smith said. “We will have some pop this year but we are not yet at the Bash Brother level yet.
“I always think we need to hit better!,” he added “Offensively, we do have some things to prove game-wise and we have been working hard to address those issues. We have to become more consistent and efficient offensively and be able to produce multiple big innings, not just one.”
They may not need to score many runs, as the Wolves boast a deep pitching staff.
Junior Ben Etzell and sophomores Aaron Curtin and Korbin Korzan are expected to be the main starters, while their pool of relievers includes juniors Jake Tumblin and Wade Schaef, sophomores Aaron Trumbull and Josh Bayne and freshman Cole Payne.
With three games a week, having a surplus of quality pitchers is a bonus.
“We have a very strong pitching staff. Not only do we have a lot of arms but we have quality and confident arms,” Smith said. “The work that this group has put in, starting last year during the season, continuing with a successful summer season, and the incredible amount of off-season work this winter will undoubtedly lead to huge strides and success this season.”
Backing up the staff will be a defense anchored by Tumblin, who calls the game from behind the plate, and second baseman Drew Chan, likely the only senior to start this season. Other impact players include three juniors, all state champs, outfielder Kurtis Smith, first baseman Brian Norris and shortstop Morgan Payne.
The 1A Wolves play in the highly-competitive Cascade Conference, which includes five 2A schools, including defending state champ Archbishop Thomas Murphy, which is led by the top player in the league, shortstop Trevor Morrison.
Toss in traditional powers Lakewood and Cedarcrest and the always reliable rivalry with South Whidbey, and the league will be a battle day-in and day-out.
“Our goals are pretty simple: finish top three in league and make a big run into the playoffs,” Smith said. “We were able to go deep into the playoffs in 2008 and 2010 and we are looking to get back there this year.
“The reality for us is this — we believe we can and will beat any team any day,” he added. “The kids have put themselves in a position to have a great run this year and when we start to do that it’s going to extremely fun to watch and be a part of.”
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