The weather has turned, but that hasn’t stopped the Coyotes from preparing for the 2023 season. The offseason programming has begun and it won’t be long before the fields are clear and season begins.
The Coyotes are coming off a fantastic fall. The group had a busy schedule that included a trip to California and Nevada where the team played five NCAA Division 1 programs. Sacramento State University, University of Pacific, University of California-Berkeley, University of San Francisco, and the University of Nevada-Reno were the five stops.
“It was a tremendous experience for our players,” says Head Coach Geoff White. “To get an opportunity to compete at the highest level of college baseball was exciting for our group.” The Coyotes had a chance to play in some historic fields, face some very highly regarded MLB draft prospects, and get a private tour of Oracle Field, home of the San Francisco Giants.
“It has always been a major goal of our program to provide experiences that will last a lifetime, this was one of those trips that players can look back on and appreciate,” adds White.
The Coyotes now shift focus to the offseason which will take place from November thru to March.
“We are very happy with our group of players, the starting point we were at September 1 was encouraging and where we ended up at the end of October was even better. There is always lots of room for growth as individuals and the team, but we will be working diligently to be prepared for the CCBC conference season at the end of March, we are definitely not content on where we finished the fall.” says White.
Some notable returnees for the Coyotes for the 2023 season are right handed Pitchers, Gavin Wuschke, Koal Erickson and Corey Lawson. Lawson is coming off the 2022 campaign being named “Reliever of the Year” after posting a 0.49 ERA.
“These three we expect will be relied up this coming season to lead the pitching staff which has been a big part of our success.” adds White.
At the plate, returning senior catcher Caleb Lumbard will anchor a solid defensive line up that will have a different look than the 2022 Championship team. At the top of the order Nolan Rivard and Ryan Dousett will be looked upon to jumpstart the offence.
“We have a nice blend of older upper class-men and younger freshman sophomores that have showed at times in the fall of what we are capable of. It will be exciting as a group on what we can accomplish in 2023.” finishes White.
The Canadian College Baseball Conference will be announcing their 2023 schedule before the new year, with the Canadian College World Series announced for Lethbridge, Alberta over the May 18-22 at Spitz Stadium. The last time the Coyotes were there they celebrated another National Championship, sweeping the tournament 4-0 with a 5-0 Championship game win. Stay tuned for more updates and information as it is released.
