The Royal’s baseball team is filled with experience and poised for a big season under 2nd-year Coach Tony Vittorio. 

  “We have a lot of guys who have experience,” senior Rudy Schoettle said. “Our everyday position players are back from last year, including some of us who have been starting since we were freshmen or sophomores.” 

  The team features a deep senior core of 12 returning players. Among those returning is senior Sam Roeder, who led the team last year in batting average, on-base percentage, and stolen bases. Roeder is keeping himself to a high standard for his senior season. 

  “Some individual goals I have for myself are to lead the team in batting average and to hit a few home runs,” Roeder said. 

  Along with a large returning class, this will be the 2nd year under Coach Tony Vittorio. 

  “Coach V has brought so much to the table I can hardly put it into words,” Roeder said. “I am most excited about the enthusiasm he brings every day and how he energizes the team in his own unique ways.”  

  The Royals have already begun off-season workouts and have recently been ramping up their intensity in preparation for the season. Winter workouts are not something the team has been taking lightly. Workouts have helped the Royals set clear goals and find an identity of being aggressive and dynamic baserunners. 

  “We are going to be the best baserunning team in the state,” Schoettle said. “With working on baserunning and stealing bags twice a week since December, we are going to be threats on the basepaths.” 

  Overall, the team is poised for a big season and is eyeing many championships along the way. The Royals open up at La Pinta field for a home contest against Franklin Community on March 31st at 5:30 p.m.