Jags have new direction under head coach Dave Avila
The Jaguars will have a different look and direction this spring under a new head coach, but the overall objectives of the team are unchanged as the much-anticipated varsity baseball season gets underway.
First year head coach Dave Avila takes over for former coach Corey Sunday, enthusiastic and confident that his team has the right stuff to produce a winning campaign.
“The season looks promising, and I believe we will be competitive in a very tough North Bay League,” he said. “Our team goals are to get better every day and to be competitive in every game we play this season.”
Excitement has never been higher for the Windsor High School baseball program after a tryout attracted some 60-plus kids at all levels this month.
The varsity squad will feature a roster of 18 players, including returning senior veterans: all-league outfielder Patrick Tappin, right-handed pitchers Eric Begley and Patrick McGee and southpaw hurler Kevin Winter. Other key seniors are third baseman Jaren Silva and outfielder Tanner Tobon.
Junior pitcher Tyler Hellums (IF/pitcher) is looking like the ace of the pitching staff following a great sophomore season, and will also hold down a spot in the middle of the batting order. Cyrus Soltanizadeh (IF/pitcher), a late season call-up from JV last year, should also figure prominently in the fortunes of the pitching staff.
The list of varsity newcomers starts with junior outfielder/pitcher Cameron Hayman, a solid hitter and tremendous fielder that will also contribute to a strong stable of arms. He’ll be joined by junior middle infielder Ian McGee, a slick glove man. Sophomore catcher Nick Pariani has a superb throwing arm and will wear the “tools of ignorance” as the team’s starting receiver.
Freshman Carson Ramocinski figures to make a big impact in his first high school season, holding down one of the middle infield spots.
“Carson has a unique maturity to him that will make him a big contributor to our team this year,” Avila said of his prize freshman who will likely bat leadoff. “No moment or game is too big for him.”
Other players that will add depth and talent are seniors; IF/OF Reece Arreguin, outfielder Austin Sedeno, and juniors; infielder Will Matthews, pitcher/infielder Scott Mizner, outfielder Chris Torres and first baseman Aiden Boettger.
The Jaguars have already logged a pair of scrimmages on the preseason circuit, recording unofficial wins over Analy and St. Vincent. Windsor will open the preseason schedule in earnest this Friday, March 2 against visiting Healdsburg. The first pitch is 3:30 p.m.
