Team: Centralia College
Conference: NWAC
College Level: JUCO
2021 Overall Record: 12-14
Located: Centralia, WA
Head Coach: Ben Harley
Assistant Coaches: Steve Harley, Brett Sweger, Jacob Schaefer, Dylan Stakelin, Joash Brodin
Who are a few returning position players that will have an impact in the spring?
Andrew Dalton (MIF)- Dalton returns to the top of our lineup and will play middle infield for us again. Dalton brings a high contact bat and speed on the basepaths to our team.
Jeremy Vierra (LF)- Jeremy returns as our everyday left fielder and will hit in the middle of our order again this year.
Who are a few key returning pitchers that will have an impact?
Derek Beairsto (RHP)- Derek lead our team in innings pitched last season, and returns this year to anchor the staff. His velo continues to rise as he fills out his 6’4″ frame.
Kobe Matsen (RHP)- Kobe returns after being second on our staff in innings pitched last season. Kobe is expected to have a large impact on our staff this season.
Matt Obst (LHP/OF)- Matt will be an impact player on both the mound and at the plate.
Who are some incoming freshman or transfers that can potentially have an impact in the spring?
Kadin Miller (SS)- Kadin is a newcomer from Clackamas high school in Oregon, and is expected to play a major roll at shortstop for us this season. Miller brings a smooth glove and strong arm to the position.
Ryan Morrison (1B)- Ryan comes to us from Australia and is expected to be our everyday first baseman at this point. He has major upside and room to grow into his 6’7″ frame to add power to his high contact skills currently.
Casen Taggart (C/1B)- Casen comes to us from Everett HS and is expected to catch, play 1B and be a DH. He will slide right into the heart of our lineup and brings a power threat every AB.
Jaden Fulsher (OF)- Jaden comes to us from Central Catholic high school in Oregon. He can play any of the three OF positions and brings a high baseball IQ to our team.
What things did you see from the team in the fall?
We saw the team come together as one group and learn to compete together. With players from all over the country and the world at this point, the fall was an important time to mesh together as one family.
What was the focus during the fall for the team?
Learning to win at every single thing we do, day after day. On the field the focus practicing at a higher pace than we will see in games. In the weight room, the goal was to get as big and strong as possible using proper programming.
What are the expectations and goals for the team entering the season?
Our expectations are to compete in every single game we play. With 153 innings returning on the mound we expect to be able to compete against any NWAC team. Our goal as a team is to win the West Division and make the NWAC Championships at the end of May.