Team: Dakota Wesleyan Tigers
Conference: GPAC
College Level: NAIA
2021 Overall Record: 16-25
Location: Mitchell, SD
Head Coach: Charlie Dubanoski
Assistant Coaches: Ben Johnson, Mark Laschanzky, Ethan Davis
Who are a few returning position players that will have an impact in the spring?
-Daulton Wilcoxen a Jr. 1st baseman who will hit in the middle of the order and either play 1st or DH. Was the primary 3 hitter last year. RHH with pop that should have a big spring.
-Luke LeMay a Sr. RHH, 3rd baseman. Started every game at 3rd base last year as a Jr. Will be a middle of the order guy, who is athletic and can steal bases.
-Wyatt Hunt, a Jr. who is a strong offensive catcher that will get the bulk of the innings behind the plate this year. A guy that can really do damage and will be asked to catch much more than last year. Had a minor knee injury that took him out of the lineup last year.
-Seth Christiansen a SO, SS that will two-way this year. Started on the mound last year and will look to have a much bigger role on the mound and in the infield. Talented player, that could have a breakout year.
Who are a few key returning pitchers that will have an impact?
-Dawson Penticoff a SR. RHP will look to be the number 1 starter on the mound. Showed success in multiple roles on the mound last year, and with graduating a large percentage of the innings last year, will look to step up and be a go to starting pitcher.
-Jacob Glovich a SO, RHP only had one start last year, but had success in a bullpen role. Will look to be a weekend starter.
-Kyler Halverson a Jr. RHP will be primarily out of the bullpen this spring as he established himself as a reliable back end bullpen arm last year. Has been good in big spots and competes.
Who are some incoming freshman or transfers that can potentially have an impact in the spring?
-Drew Kitchens, a transfer from University of Sioux Falls, will look to start in the infield and make an impact offensively. Competes and gets on base with the potential to steal bases.
-Tyler Shelley, a SO, JC transfer. Will be a two-way player in the future, but will most likely have his biggest impact on the mound this year. Will either be a starter or back end bullpen arm with some velocity.
What things did you see from the team in the fall?
This was our first fall here as a coaching staff, and was very happy with the buy in from the team. Our last three weeks were much better than the first three weeks as far as attitude, effort and competing. We showed that we should be able to swing it this spring and score runs.
What was the focus during the fall for the team?
The focus on the fall was to compete every day and in every aspect and the team enjoyed it. Another focus was team culture and chemistry. We have made an effort to have the team spend time with each other off the field and our upperclassmen have really bought into this in helping accept and make the newcomers feel like they are a big part of the Tiger baseball program.
What are the expectations and goals for the team entering the season?
The expectations are to compete every game and bring the best energy and effort in every opportunity that we can. The goal is to improve from a difficult season last year. We have a difficult schedule with the GPAC and non-conference this spring. The goal would be to improve and make the conference tournament this year.