2006 Mighty Oak Season Outlook

Coach T-Ray Fletcher welcomes 18 returning lettermen from an up and down 2005 season in which the Mighty Oaks finished runner-up at the NCCAA National Tournament. Along with those 18 returnees, Fletcher has added 10 newcomers to his 2006 Mighty Oak baseball team and the veteran OCU skipper has high expectations for this season’s squad. “We lost a lot of key players from last year’s team but are excited about our returnees and the newcomers we have signed. If the team gels the way we expect them to, there is no reason why we can’t pick up right where we left off at the end of last year.”

In Fletcher’s first eleven seasons, his teams have compiled a 221-229-2 record and have earned berths into the NCCAA National Tournament eight times, finishing 4th in 1996, 8th in 1997, 5th in 1999, 5th in 2000, 5th in 2001, 4th in 2002, 6th in 2004, and 2nd in 2005.

Back from the 2005 campaign are seniors Andrew Elpers (Haubstadt, IN), Cole McConnell (Harrisburg, IL), Pablo Bukonja (Edo Anzoategui, Venezuela), and Jason Doyle (La Grange, KY). Elpers was a 1st team NCCAA All-Region performer last season after winning 6 games and striking out 75 batters in 69 2/3 innings pitched.

Also returning for the Mighty Oaks is a large and deep Junior Class. The Junior Class welcomes newcomers David Marcum (Huntingburg, IN) and Maykel Makarem (Maracaibo, Edo Julia, Venezuela). Marcum should give much needed strength to the starting rotation, while Makareem will give pop to a lineup that lost most of its power and RBI’s from last years team.

Among the other returning Juniors, are catchers Shanon Miller (Corydon, IN) and Chuck Hays (Rockport,IN), second baseman, Josh Gensic (Newburgh, IN), shortstop Nick Keener (Newburgh, IN), and outfielder Jared Henke (Huntingburg, IN). Keener returns after an NCCAA All-Region selection. As they did last season, all are expected to play important roles during the 2005 season.

Returning Junior pitchers are highlighted by Phil Reinbrecht (Haubstadt, IN). Reinbrecht made the NCCAA All-Tournament team at the 2005 World Series. Also returning are Junior relievers Brandon Tennant (Utica, KY), Clint Russell (Winslow, IN), and Nathan Young (Bowling Green, IN).

The Sophomore class will be looked upon to contribute to this seasons club in many ways. Returning in the outfield is Kellen Higgingson (Haubstadt, IN) who as a freshmen hit .341 with 10 doubles, 6 home runs, and drove in 21. Nic Skinner (Newburgh, IN) returns to give depth to the middle infield and gives the lineup speed. Third Baseman Josh Miller (Dexter, MO) returns after a successful freshman campaign that culminated with Miller making the All-Tournament team at the NCCAA World Series.

Newcomers to the Sophomore class include transfers Ray Cintron (Princeton, IN) and Ben Noffsinger (Lynnville, IN). Cintron should fill out the starting rotation while Noffsinger will see action at DH and first base.

The Freshman class is led by Catcher Mike Reed (Mt. Vernon, IN). He joins Steven Herrenbruck (Boonville, IN), Cody Meadows (Hanover, IN), John Hand (Loogootee, IN), Jared Sweeney (Oakland City, IN), Ben Adams (New Albany, IN), and Mark Kirkman (Evansville, IN) who returns from shoulder surgery after red-shirting last season.

This season’s schedule is highlighted by the annual trip to Ft. Myers, Florida for Spring Break. Besides the spring trip, the Mighty Oaks will again play a tough group of NCAA Division II opponents highlighted by: University of Southern Indiana, Bellarmine University, St. Joseph’s College, University of Indianapolis, SIU-Edwardsville, Lewis University, and Kentucky Wesleyan College.

Although a 56 game schedule holds many uncertainties, one thing is certain; Head Coach T-Ray Fletcher and Student Assistant Jason Bell will see to it that their team continues to improve every day and that they are ready for the long season ahead.