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Bloomsburg University baseball coach Matt Haney feels the key to any successful season is two-fold. First, win the close games. Second, have an experienced group of players to help you achieve reason number one. Haney feels the Huskies this year have the experience needed to make the first part of a successful season a reality.

"We are experienced in many key areas, most notably, in the pitching staff," said Haney. "We have a solid group of starting pitchers, a veteran group of middle relievers and a closer who is one of the best. Combine that with returning starters at catcher, second base and two outfield positions and I feel we have the personnel to win close games."

"A year ago we were hurt by our inability to get the clutch, two-out hit," Haney said. "If we can get just a few more two-out runs home, then that will be the difference in making the PSAC playoffs or staying home for the post-season."

"Our lineup should be one that is able to give us a lot of production," Haney commented. "We have a solid leadoff hitter in Mark Reiter, a potent number two hitter in Brain Sperling, and group in the middle of the lineup, Brian Zorger, Brian Martin, Joe Pesci and Tim Kelleher, that give us a lot of pop."

"The PSAC, overall, is so competitive and the Eastern Division especially," said Haney. "We need to be ready to play each and every game and win the close ones. That is the key for us this season. To win the close games."

Bloomsburg will open its 2003 season Thursday, Feb. 20th visiting the Apprentice School in Newport News, VA for a four-day tournament. The Huskies face Apprentice at 6 p.m. on Thursday night.

POSITION BY POSITION

CATCHER

Senior Jeremy Arner returns as the starter for the Huskies after hitting .287 in his first season with the Huskies. Arner is a hard-nosed player who will be called upon to lead the team with both his bat and catching skills. Aaron Wheeler and Brian Podiva will backup Arner.

FIRST BASE

Look for Joe Pesci to get the nod in the early going for the Huskies with Brian Sperling and Josh Beddall battling for time. Pesci has waited his turn as a backup the last two years, but appears ready both with his bat and glove to assume the job on a regular basis. Sperling, last year's designated hitter, is also working out at the position and may see time there. Beddall, a transfer from Temple, has a solid bat and will have four years of eligibility remaining.

SECOND BASE

The Huskies are moving last year's third baseman, Brian Zorger, over to second. Zorger has good range and has played the position the last two summers making the transition easier. Also seeing time at second base will be Cory Koziel and David Morris. Koziel will push Zorger for playing time and has a bright future ahead of him.

SHORTSTOP

Last year's starter Chris Husted suffered an injury in August of 2002 and will not be ready for the start of the year. Taking over at the position will be sophomore Andy Howard who has great range and a strong arm. Backing up Howard will be David Manter, a freshman, with good hands and Troy Smith. Manter also has a strong bat and will battle for playing time.

THIRD BASE

With Zorger moving to second base, look for Stefan Muller, a transfer from Montgomery County Community College, to split time with Jim Coombe at the position. Coombe will play third when not pitching. When Coombe is pitching, look for Muller to be at the hot corner.

OUTFIELD

The Huskies will feature an experienced outfield in 2003. In left, Brian Martin returns after hitting .344 a year ago. Kirk Wonderlich, a freshman with a strong work ethic, will back up Martin. In center, Mark Reiter is back and will again hit leadoff. His getting on base and setting the table for the Huskies will be key. Dan Adamo, a freshman with a strong arm and good speed, will see time behind Reiter. Over in right field,

Over in right field look for a battle in the early part of the season between Nick Stachokus, Tim Keller and Charlie Reed for the starting nod. Stachokus is battling an eye injury and may be limited early on, while Kelleher has the best bat in the group. Reed, who will see time in the bullpen, will also compete for time.

PITCHING

The Huskies have an experienced group of players to choose from this year. Leading the staff is senior Matt Wiltrout. The lefty will be the team's number one starter after posting a mark of 4-4 last year with a 3.77 ERA. Right behind Wiltrout will be Mike Robertson one of the team's most improved pitchers a year ago. The third starter for the Huskies will be Jim Coombe with Robert Jewett, Jim Danforth and Mike Kelchak all fighting for time as the number four man in the rotation. If Danforth wins the spot, the Huskies will have a unique rotation featuring three left-handed starters. Freshman Kelchak has a great arm and features an excellent curve ball.

In relief the Huskies will use Reed, Kurt Bidermann and either Jewett, Danforth or Kelchak as set up men with the closer role going to senior Mike Vavra. A year ago Vavra saved eight games and posted a 2.13 ERA.

" I feel we have the players to contend for a playoff spot this year," said Haney. "These players, especially my seniors, have been developing over the last several years and I feel now is their time to step forward and show what they can do. I am looking forward to a very exciting year."