Warren

Dejà vu, all over again

Photos by Patricia O'Blenes Warren Woods Tower senior Kevin Fardell pitches against Madison Heights Lamphere April 29 at Tower.

Warren Woods Tower baseball calls on history during rough start

BRAD D. BATES

C & G Sports Writer 

WARREN - With three pitchers - eight total players - returning a 2008 regional championship baseball team, Warren Woods Tower probably expect a 3-8 start in 2009.

While the Titans may not have the record they expected from a veteran the experience from turning around year's 3-12 start might be the squad's valuable commodity.

"We talked about last year at the of the season, but these guys to make their own identity," coach Kondziolka said. "But we're exactly what happened last year.

"That was not our because it's a tough to start a year and a way to come back. We hard to get back it." The Titans recent setback, a 16-4 to Madison Lamphere April 29 home, was of what ailed them season.

"We just need to make key plays, like a key third out in an inning," Kondziolka said after watching his team give up nine runs with two outs in the third inning against Lamphere.

"Where we've struggled is that kids make one bad play, and it's the end of the world. They make one good play and forget about it.

We need consistency and a level head. If we can find that, then we'll get on a little run here." That's where the expertise of the Titans' veterans comes in handy - reminding their younger teammates that one play doesn't ruin a season but it could turn one around.

"You've got to keep them up and keep encouraging them," senior designated hitter Wade Howard said. "If they make an error, you've got to pick them up."

While the Titans' early season has put the focus on their veteran intangibles, what makes a repeat turnaround of 2008 possible is the veteran talent.

Pitchers Jeff Weeks, Kevin Fardell and James Horgan were the arms that led the Titans to their Division 2 regional crown last year, and all three have returned.

"All three got hot at the end of last year, and hopefully, they can do the same thing this year as they continue to improve," Kondziolka said of the senior trio.

With returners like Howard and Horgan, who homered against the Rams, the Titans also have bats capable of powering a turnaround.

That's why, even if it takes doing it the hard way, Kondziolka has faith that if any team can turn things around, it's this team.

"Last year, we won a great game against Center Line, and that was the game that turned us around," Kondziolka said.

"We played a great game that our guys were into it the whole time. That's what we're looking for this year - that one game where we play a full seven innings."