Last year the AlBrook Falcons fell in the semifinals of the sectional baseball tournament. This season the Falcons will be relying on five freshman and three seniors to carry the load.
"We are very young," said AlBrook coach Damien Paulson. "We lost six good seniors in Chad Wood, Mike Blom, Cory Willeck, Dusty Hjelle, Tyler Blom and Gus Anderson.
The two biggest tasks facing Paulson will be trying to find a replacement for all-everything catcher Chad Wood and in rebuilding the pitching staff.
"John Tondryk is a very good pitcher," mentioned Paulson. "The rest of the rotation will be young. Look for freshmen Travis Behning, Kolten Karpinnen and Cody Anderson, eighth-grader Bryce Karpinnen and sophomore Tim Anvid to all play important roles."
Despite the last week of bad weather, the Falcons were able to get some time outside where they could get in decent practice time.
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"We have been outside most of the time," said Paulson.
Even though the weather has not cooperated completely, and even though the squad will be young, Paulson is still optimistic.
"I am very excited about the season," stated Paulson. "I think we may take some lumps, but by playoffs we could be very competitive."
The Falcons went 10-10 last season and lost to Silver Bay in sectional play.
Pine Journal sports reporter Kerry Rodd can be contacted at: kdrodd@aol.com .
