Name: Lower Columbia College
City and State: Longview, Washington
Head Coach
Kurt Lupinski
Assistant Coaches
Brian Valentine, Mike Callia, Shane McCarroll
Who are some key returning position players and what do you hope to see from them this year?
C- Justin Stransky SS- Tyler Peterson OF- Kyle Parkman OF- Matthew Lewis
We expect Stransky and Peterson to be our anchors in the middle part of the defense with Stransky directing behind the dish. We look to utilize Peterson’s speed offensively in a multitude of ways and Stransky’s ability to get on base and put at bats together. We expect Parkman and Lewis to suffocate opposing offenses with their respective ranges in the outfield and serve as key cogs to our offensive attack.
Who are your key returning pitchers and why?
LHP- Brayden Marcum LHP- Mike Schwarz RHP- Max Elske
Marcum and Schwarz were two of the NWAC’s best guys last year and after a strong Fall, they are looking forward to building off that this Spring. Both of those guys have the ability to pitch deep into ball games and give us a chance to win every time they get the ball. Elske is looking to take on a bigger role for us out of the bullpen this year after an outstanding Fall. Elske has the ability to pound the zone efficiently with multiple pitches.
Do you have an incoming impact freshman or transfers that will help the team in 2023?
RHP- Owen Luchies LHP- Noah Imboden RHP- Joey Pearson 1B/ OF- Cayden Wotipka Luchies.
Imboden and Pearson all have a shot to pitch competitive innings for us as Freshman, and have shown great things since stepping on campus. Wotipka has been a force at the plate this fall, showing the ability to provide a true power bat in the heart of our order.
What was the focus and what things did you see from the team in the fall?
The focus for our ball club this Fall was to dominate the details and trust the process. We saw a lot of quality things out of our team both offensively and defensively, and have a unique group of guys.
What are the expectations and goals for the team entering the season?
The expectations for our club this Spring is to compete for an West Region and NWAC Title.