The UC High Boys Baseball Team is starting its season in March, and the team members are planning to pitch in their best efforts this year and win CIF, according to Captain Ken Waldichuk.

According to Coach Richard Frink, last season, the team made it to the playoffs and lost to Scripps Ranch High in the fourth round, which exceeded his expectations. The team aims to perform even better this year.

According to Frink, this is his second year coaching the team, and he has made adjustments for this season that will help the team be successful. “The kids have had me for one year. They understand my philosophy, and we want to improve. With the hard work they put in, I believe they can accomplish that,” Frink said.

According to Frink, the captains of the team this season are Seniors Ken Waldichuk, Grant Ruthenberg, Tristan Reidy and Matt Martinson.

Frink expects the team to achieve great success this season, because they have many returning starters from the previous year, as well as their top pitcher, Waldichuk, who was recruited (and has committed) to play at St. Mary’s College.

“We lost a few key contributors [from last year], but we definitely have players who can replace what those players did last season,” Waldichuk said.

The players this season are demonstrating improved attitudes compared to previous years. “We had issues with the seniors last year being self-centered and lacking teamwork, so I am glad that we don’t have any of that this season,” Ruthenberg said. “This season, we expect much more consistency at the plate and better leadership amongst the players,” Ruthenberg added.

“We’re going to have a lot of home run hitters, since we have a lot of big boys on the team this year,” Reidy said.

According to Reidy, the team will be playing on the new baseball field and is getting new uniforms as well this year