The Tigers compiled a 19-12 record, falling to Glendale in the district tournament.
Heading into his sixth year at the helm, head coach Justin Sundlie hopes to keep his team healthy as it prepares for the spring campaign.
Ozark will also enjoy the benefits of a brand new turf field this season, on the newly minted Mike Essick Field.
“We graduated a talented senior class that led us to a 19-12 record,” Sundlie said “Our expectation is to always compete for a district championship and, while we didn’t reach this goal, I was proud of the way our guys showed up everyday and worked hard. We battled some injuries last year as a team, so one of our major focuses this year will be staying healthy to try and peak at the right time.”
Sundlie will turn to a trio of talented returnees to lead the Tigers this season in Luke Baer, Rylan Sutton and Caden O’Donnell.
Baer, a senior infielder and pitcher, finished the season with 13 RBI, 2 home runs and 3 doubles.
“Luke is one of our top returning arms,” Sundlie said. “He started at third base for us and was a starter and reliever for us on the mound. He is very respected by his teammates and will be counted on to help lead this group.”
Sutton, a junior all-conference utility player, hit .386 last season with 2 home runs and 12 RBI.
“Rylan played first base last year,” Sundlie said. “He is also a very good outfielder and could see some time at both positions. He was one of our best hitters last year as a sophomore and will do a lot again for our lineup this year. He has stepped into a more vocal leadership role and is doing a great job for us.”
O’Donnell, a junior infielder and pitcher, compiled a 2-0-3 record on the mound as a sophomore with a 2.73 ERA.
“Caden was our closer last year and is expected to step into a starter role for us on the mound,” Sundlie said. “He also does a good job at both corner infield spots and has potential to bring power to our lineup. He has had a good off season and is getti... Click here to read full article
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