As the season approaches the Leathernecks have not been forgotten in the preseason polls. We have been predicted to finish second, and in the past second would have been satisfying. Coach Villano has brought a new swagger to WIU Baseball. New additions to the coaching staff of Shane Davis and Mike Vucsko, have become a great fit for the program to help assist the ball club with Cooper Stewart. Together they have done plenty of remodeling in their time here at Western, and now have the luxury of coaching a team they have built through personal recruitment. The newest crop of freshman added to the squad this fall are ready to make an impact and are just a preview of what is to come.
Last year we finished the season with a berth to The Summit League Tournament but took an early exit. Because of our performance on the field last year opposing teams will look past the Leathernecks this spring and we are not bothered by that at all. We have been preparing for this season and the results will be shown starting with our first game on Friday. In the past, due to the Midwest weather conditions, our first time outside was the first series of the year. This year we have been able to practice and get our work in outside. So for once in Leatherneck Baseball history, the playing field has been leveled in terms of weather conditions. We are ready for Georgia State and are seeking revenge from last years match-up when they took three of four from us.
This season is a start of a new era in the Summit. The ingredients for a championship reside in Macomb, Illinois and with the leadership of our coaching staff and our seniors the sky is the limit for Leatherneck Baseball.
-Redshirt Freshman Outfielder Dan Owenby
“The Purple Heart is for the military hero, the Purple jersey is for the champion.”
