Spring is in the air as Mission Valley Mariners start practice
Carrie Pichler
Mission Valley Mariners Assistant Coach John Rausch and Alex Killian
Carrie Pichler
Mission Valley Mariners Raymond Matt, Karsen Krebs, Jacob Harrod, Jami Hanson and Jim Harrod
Carrie Pichler
Mission Valley Mariners TJ Olson and Zeke Webster-Yaqui
Carrie Pichler
Mission Valley Mariners Aaron Rasmussen and Bransen Krebs
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As the last of the winter snow melts with hopes it will be gone for good, the Mission Valley Mariners are warming up their bats and looking for the all hopeful “it” season. After a disappointing loss at Districts last season, the M’s are back in the saddle and aiming to reclaim a possible State title.
“I’m excited,” said Head Coach Jami Hanson about the upcoming season. With an almost fully returning team “laden with seniors,” Hanson is ready to take the M’s full speed ahead with the goal of not only capturing a State title but also making the journey to Anchorage, Alaska to compete in the 2014 Class A Regional Tournament.
The Mariners are boasting key return players that may pose a serious threat to the Western Division, dubbed as one of the “hardest districts” in the state.
The all-star class includes big wigs like Ryan Pablo, third baseman for the M’s and 2013 Firecracker MVP; shortstop TJ Olson and center fielder Zeke Webster-Yaqui, both 2013 All Conference recipients. The mound will see the return of Bradley Pichler and Kellen Hoyt in May after a full college season of experience. M’s catcher, Alex Killian, will add not only defensive coordination behind the plate but also a big bat. Rounding out the line-up are return players Quinn Harlan, Keith Woodword, Brennan Andrews, Bransen Krebs, Aaron Rasmussen and Jared Young. Young will be joining teammates in the fall as a Buccaneer, receiving a full tuition baseball scholarship to Dawson Community College.
With new faces and bats filling the Mariners “barn,” their spring training facility in Ronan, Mariners school is back in session not only for the A team but also for the B boys.
“We’ve got a lot of talent coming up,” Mariner Board Member Jim Harrod said. “This B team is looking to have a good season, too.”
The Mariners will have to grab a top-two spot at Districts and then take first at State to qualify for Divisionals. For American Legion Class A, Divisionals is equivalent to the World Series, a feat accomplished only once by the Mariners in 2012 when they won it all — and the only Montana team to achieve that.
As far the kids are concerned there is one phrase being repeated, “Hard work and dedication.” That’s what is going to get them to the end. Also “stay hungry,” according to Webster-Yaqui. Olson and Krebs are planning to catch a salmon or two, maintaining optimism about their chances of hopping a plane ride to Anchorage.
“We’re going to Alaska,” Olson said. “And I’m bringing my pole,” he said laughing, while Hanson sends out the reminder, “we have to get there first.”
Mariners season kicks off April 27 in Kalispell with the first home game May 10. MVM will be hosting a fundraising dinner April 4 at the Ronan Community Center. For more information on the dinner contact Shelly Croft, Mariners fundraising chair, at (406) 250-9060.
Full schedules for both teams and information on upcoming Mariners events can be found at www.mvmariners.com.
