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2008 Season Outlook
For the past four years, under the direction of head coach Matt Schans, the baseball program has made steady improvements. That certainly was true of last season which was one of the best in the program’s history. In 2007 the Trolls finished 25-25 overall, setting a school mark for most wins in a season and posting the first winning record since 1994. In addition they tied for second place (13-7) in the conference, marking the highest ever finish for a Trinity baseball team. The Trolls also advanced to the CCAC championship game, the NCCAA region final game, and received an at-large bid to the NCCAA national tournament.
 
It will be up to the 2008 squad to continue that success. Although the program graduated six seniors, who were a significant part of the last year’s success, the cupboard is not bare for this year’s team. They return ten players, including six with significant starting experience. In addition they add seven new players, four of which have played at the college level.
 
“I like the team that we will be able to put on the field,” said Coach Schans. “We had some key losses from last season, but we will not be without experience and should be solid both offensively and defensively. After a 25-win season it will be hard to make a huge jump in our overall record, but I anticipate that we will be able to put up similar numbers.”
 
Schans believes the team’s offensive will be a true strength this season. He predicts that they will be as good, if not better, at the plate than last year. That expectation comes despite the fact that they lost three of their top hitters. Schans is confident in the experience in the box with the return of five players who got at least 100 at bats last season and the addition of four transfers who have faced college pitching. 
 
“We have proven hitters Matt Kamp and Rob Emmons,” said Schans. “The four transfer players will greatly help us, providing power in the top of the order. In addition the bottom half of the order is skilled and will give us some options.”
 
Defensively, the left side of the infield returns two starters while the right side will field new personnel. The outfield will see some transition as it replaces centerfield and shifts players around to find the best combination.
 
The key to the season may come down to the pitching staff. With the graduation of three starting pitchers, the returners will be asked adopt new roles as they take on more innings or move into starting spots. Returning starters Jeff Nykerk and Ryan Wories will assume more prominent roles, while Justin Lemmenes and Randy Ditzler will move from relief to starters. 
 
“Our pitching staff is not as experienced as it was last year, but has the potential to be good,” said Schans. “They will have to adjust to their changing roles and make a step up. We will have to see how our pitching holds up.”
 
Of the returning players, sophomore co-captain Matt Kamp (Tinley Park, IL) will be a key. Last year Kamp, as the starting catcher, earned all-conference honors and was named CCAC Freshman of the Year. He is the leading returning hitter with a .343 batting average from a season ago.  Senior Rob Emmons (Johnsburg, IL), who plays right field, will be an offensive factor as he had 42 hits and 36 RBIS last season.  Senior Randy Ditzler (Alsip, IL) and sophomore Jeff Nykerk (Holland, MI) are the veterans on the mound. Ditzler posted a 5.06 ERA a year ago in 16 appearances while Nykerk was the starter for eight games with a 4-4 record.
 
Also contributing the depth of the team is a group of returning starters. Senior co-captain Ryan Tevepaugh (Chagrin Falls, OH) is a third-year starter at short-stop. Joining him on the left side of the infield is junior co-captain Rich Tameling (Burr Ridge, IL), who will cover third base as well as do some relief pitching. Senior Joe Chimenti (Chagrin Falls, OH) provides stability in the outfield and experience at the plate. Junior Ryan Wories (Lansing, IL) will continue to be a starting pitcher and will also spend time at first base.
 
Returners junior Justin Lemmenes (Palos Heights, IL) and sophomore Tony Perri (Peotone, IL) are an important part of the pitching staff. Lemmenes has two years of experience and will move into a starting role, while Perri will be a relief pitcher.
 
The new players for the Trolls include four transfer students and three freshmen. With their experience the transfers will make an immediate impact. Sophomore Joe Musolino (Chicago, IL), who spent one year at Lewis University, will step into the starting line-up. He is a powerful hitter and will factor into the middle of the batting order while defensively playing first base or catcher. Junior Adam Hoornaert (Orland Park, IL), who played for two years at Moraine Valley Community College, is another offensive threat. He will play in the outfield or be in the line-up as designated hitter. Starting at second base will be sophomore Luis Gil-Sandoval (Dominican Republic) who has one year of experience at Waubonsee College. Junior Mark Igyarto (Frankfort, IL) played two years at Joliet Junior College and will help the Trolls in the outfield and as a relief pitcher.
 
Freshman Nick Scholten (Zeeland, MI) is a newcomer, but will find the starting line-up in either the outfield or at second base. He will also factor into a vital spot of the batting order.  Rounding out the incoming class are freshmen Tom Kakos (Chicago, IL), a pitcher, and Chad Maatman (Homewood, IL), a catcher.
 
The Trolls are scheduled to start their season in early March, but will get into the swing of things with six games against four schools in Florida during Spring Break. Once they return they will begin their conference schedule, which should again be very competitive. Last season four teams tied in record for second place in the final CCAC standings, and this season will bring around that same spirited action. It will be interesting to see how the conference plays out as a number of schools are in transition with new coaches. The Trolls plan on being a part of the mix and repeating their run for the conference title.