Team: Whitworth University Pirates
Conference: NWC
College Level: NCAA D3
2021 Overall Record: 16-25
Location: Spokane, WA
Head Coach: CJ Perry
Assistants: JT Phelan, Evan Norden, Logan Kurucz, Jeff Simmelink, Ben Wintringer
Key Returning Position Players:
Jaxsen Sweum, Sr, OF- Best returning OF and offensive player. 1st team NWC OF in 2021
Brenden Duncan, Sr, 1B- 4 hole hitter, polished gap to gap hitter, plus defender at 1B. All NWC Honorable Mention in 2021
Gage Gibson, Sr. SS- Showed power last year, will hit in the middle of the order and play a clean SS. All NWC Honorable Mention in 2021
Dawson Warner, Jr, 3B- Our most consistent hitter from a production standpoint. Knack for finding barrels .910 OPS last season.
Key Returning Pitchers
Dylan Bishop, Jr. RHP- Emerged as our ace last year. Fierce competitior, 3 pitches for strikes, lead the West Coach League in wins for Yakima Valley Pips this past summer. All NWC Second Team in 2021
Austin Rice, Sr. LHP- Struggled with injuries early. Mid 80s lefty with good slider command. 2nd team NWC in 2019. Hunter Dryden, So. RHP- Upper 80s RHP, bulldog mindset, our best reliever last year likely moving to the rotation.
Incoming Freshman and Transfers
Riley Whelan, Jr. Spokane Falls CC- polished college arm, really good FB/SL mix. Closer/shutdown reliever role
Gunnar Kuehl, Jr. Yakima Valley College- mid 80s LHP, plus competitor, high leverage bullpen arm.
What things did you see from the team in the fall?
This fall we displayed qualities that could make us a very tough offensive team. Our pitching staff took a step forward as some of young arms continue to develop. We were also much tighter as a group which was not he case last year due to COVID protocols.
What was the focus during the fall for the team?
Fall focus was forming an identity around pace of play, expectations, and toughness.
What are the expectations and goals for the team entering the season?
In conference play, our goal is to win the 2022 NWC title.