There are three new, but familiar faces, working with coach Brian Manoukian this season.
Former head coach Cody Farnworth, a pitcher in college, has come back to work with the pitching staff. Joe Tierney, last year’s JV coach, and Matt Morgan, a star for Ron McNutt back in days as a CHS player, are also assisting with the program.
“It’s nice to have Cody back in the program,” Manoukian said. “I’ve given him free rein to set up the daily pitching schedule; when kids will row bullpens etc… The kids have responded really well to him.”
Tierney will work with the infielders and Morgan will handle the outfielders.
“They are both doing a fantastic job,” Manoukian said.
Manoukian said he will primarily work with the hitters, and the overall running of the program.
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It’s a veteran coaching staff working with a primarily young team. There are only four seniors — newcomer Nolan Shine plus returnees Seamus Burns, Brandon Allen and Josiah Pongasi.
“We’re trying to build off the momentum we established at the end of last year,” Manoukian said. “We started off slow last summer, but were playing well at the end. This is a good group of kids. They come to practice every day ready to play and ready to learn.”
Manoukian knows this year’s team will have its hands full. He believes Reno and Bishop Manogue are the frontrunners with Galena, Reed and Spanish Springs battling for first-division placings.
“Reno is going to be really tough,” he said. “They are the favorites until somebody proves they can knock them off. They have a lot of pitching back. Bishop Manogue has a lot of seniors and a lot of pitching.”
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One of the new faces is football-wrestling standout Nolan Shine, who hasn’t played baseball since his middle school years.
Shine is on the roster as an outfielder and catcher, though Manoukian said the senior wants to try his hand at pitching.
“He’s made strides in the 2 1/2 weeks that he’s been out here,” Manoukian said. “He brings leadership and toughness to the team. He’s going to be a great guy to have around.
“The first thing to come back (after not playing) is throwing. Then defense and last is hitting.”