League title top goal for Eagle baseball

The 2012 Uniontown High School baseball team is (from left): FRONT -- Tanner Stewart, John Kuns, Broderick Glessner, Garrett Murrow, Blaine Ross, Austin Collins, James (J.P.) Pearson, and Allen (A.J.) Johnson; BACK -- head coach Chris Woods, Ronnie Shadden, Devonte Robinson, Zach Schwalm, Jacob Duffey, Jary Harp and assistant coach Jeff Reed. (Submitted photo)

There's no question what Uniontown head coach Chris Woods expects from his Eagle baseball team this season.

"Uniontown's No. 1 goal is to win the Three Rivers League," Woods said. "I feel we will be very competitive. We are young but determined. The guys work hard and are learning quick."

The Eagles will finally open their season Monday, weather and/or field conditions permitting, with a TRL doubleheader versus Northeast at Arma. The original opener, versus Yates Center that was set for March 26, and Thursday's scheduled home and league opener against St. Paul, were both postponed by bad field conditions. The Yates Center games were rescheduled for April 26. The St. Paul twinbill will be played April 30.

The Eagles have just one senior out, Garrett Murrow. He has played varsity the previous three seasons and will be the Eagles' starting catcher. There is also only one junior, Jary Harp, who is new to the program but will likely start in center field.

The remainder of the 13-player roster has five sophomores and six freshmen. But the inexperience doesn't concern Woods.

"I am optimistic for this season because the guys have been challenging each other for specific positions and we have several pitchers," he says.

Three of the sophomores are experienced at the varsity level. John Kuns was the Eagles' No. 1 pitcher last season. Jacob Duffy will be a middle infielder and a relief pitcher. Allen (A.J.) Johnson also has varsity experience.

Sophomores Broderick Glessner and Tanner Stewart are new to the program. Glessner can play either shortsop or second base and will also be a starting pitcher. Stewart is penciled in as an outfielder.

Looking at the freshmen, Woods looks to Devonte Robinson to play third base and also be a starting pitcher. Ronnie Shadden and Zach Schwalm have been battling for the starting job at first base. Austin is expected to see time in the outfield and at second base.

"Overall, (we're) young, but the underclassmen have really stepped up," Woods says. "I feel Garrett will have a stellar season and help make the Eagles successful."

UNIONTOWN HIGH SCHOOL 2013 BASEBALL

Varsity

Doubleheaders unless noted.

April 1...........at Northeast, 4:30

April 8..................OSWEGO, 4:30

April 12.........at Jayhawk-Linn, 4:30

April 15.......MARMATON VALLEY, 4:30

April 18...........at Hume, Mo., 4:30

April 23...................ERIE, 4:30

April 26........at Yates Center, 4:30

April 30...............ST. PAUL, 4:30

May 2.................HUMBOLDT, 4:30

May 6..................at Chetopa, 4:30