The State Fair Community College (SFCC) baseball team is preparing for the upcoming spring season.

Head Coach Jud Kindle expressed satisfaction with the team's fall progress.

"Our pitching staff had a strong fall," Kindle said. "Nate Bartlett (Lee's Summit) has made significant gains and will be a key part of our rotation. Peyton Cooper (West Plains) also came on strong late in the fall as a position player."

Kindle plans for the team to leverage its athleticism and speed. "We're not as physical this year," he said. "This team is more athletic and faster. We'll rely on high on-base percentages and better base running. Defensively, we're improved over the last couple of years. Our pitching depth is also better. We'll need to focus on doing the small things better and putting pressure on opposing pitching staffs on the base paths."

Leadership is evident on this year's team. "Sam Paule (Washington, Missouri) is a phenomenal leader offensively," Kindle said. "He leads by example and brings a competitive nature to our games. His teammates look up to him. Matt Goldasich (Springfield, Missouri), a sophomore catcher, is a quiet leader who also commands respect."

Outfielders Jordan Hedrick (Platte City, Missouri) and Devin Wassmann (Platte City) are expected to play key roles.

Pitching Coach Bill Cain anticipates leadership from Jacob Tellman (Jefferson City) and Chase Schnieders (Jefferson City). "Schnieders has experience from last season and the pedigree," Cain said. "Tellman also has the skill to lead our pitching staff."

Kindle noted that Tellman has solidified himself as one of the top pitchers with significant potential.

"Hunter Jones (Branson) is very athletic," Cain said. "He's eager to learn and is one of our more physical pitchers. He has a good repertoire and just needs to work on consistency in the strike zone."

The team will also rely on sophomores Jose Llabreras (Guanica, Puerto Rico), Parker Lambeth (Springfield, Missouri), Logan Head (Cairo, Missouri), and Connor Rhorer (Pilot Grove) out of the bullpen.

Kindle describes this year's team as deep but young. "Our freshmen adjusted to college baseball in the fall," he said. "Fall scrimmages helped us see who can play at this level. Most freshmen made great adjustments. There will still be a learning curve because our schedule is very tough. It's probably the most difficult schedule in my nine years here. We'll play very good competition early to prepare for Region 16 play."

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SFCC will travel to Dallas in February for doubleheaders, then to Tennessee to face Southeastern Community College, Indian Hills Community College, Black Hawk College, and Iowa Central Community College.

"Right out of the gate, we play two quality teams in Dallas," Kindle said. "In Memphis, all four games are against quality opponents. We'll see what improvements we need and where we stand immediately."

SFCC is scheduled to open Region 16 play at Mineral Area College on February 27.

"Every game in the Region is very important," Kindle said. "Last season, three wins separated the third seed from the seventh seed. We need to be prepared for a tough Region 16 schedule."

Kindle has set goals for the season. "One long-term goal is to host and win a Sub-Regional," he said. "A short-term goal is to tie or win every series in the Region. When you reach the final four in the Region, anything is possible. Pitching and defense are key to achieving those goals. We'll find our offensive identity as the year progresses. Success depends on pitching depth and strong defense."

-- David Rohrbach, SFCC Athletics

 

Cutline: Student-athletes of the State Fair Community College baseball team (left to right): Jose Llabreras (Guanica, Puerto Rico); Matt Goldasich (Springfield, Missouri); Sam Paule (Washington, Missouri); and Chase Schnieders (Jefferson City).

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