Varsity sports are generally filled with juniors and seniors who have worked hard to earn playing time. Sometimes, however, underclassmen get a shot to showcase their skills.

The varsity baseball team has three underclassmen who play exclusively on varsity, including freshman Mitch Sloan and sophomore Matt Petelin. “There are a lot of younger guys on the junior varsity team who are really good,” Sloan said, starting third baseman.

Petelin is the starting shortstop and said the team will improve in the upcoming years.

“With only four seniors on varsity, we have the potential to be better with more guys having varsity experience,” Petelin said.

Head baseball coach Curtis Murdock said the young guys learn from the seniors.

“Our seniors have led the young guys through example. It helps that the younger guys can just watch and learn as they go along,” Murdock said.

One of these leaders is senior pitcher Connor Kresin.

“I played varsity baseball as a freshman and I am all for underclassmen playing on varsity if they have the skill level,” Kresin said.

Murdock said the underclassman have a good impact on the team.

“The younger guys prove their worth through production and leadership they bring to the field,” Murdock said.

Petelin said the younger guys are making a difference on the team now and will continue to do so.

“We will keep getting better as the year goes on from what Murdock continues to teach us from his days in baseball,” Petelin said.