New Era of Trapper Baseball Begins in 2013

With an entirely new coaching staff and eleven new varsity players, the Trapper baseball program enters a new era in 2013.  The Trappers are coming off of a 5-15 campaign last season and must replace twelve seniors from 2012.  With a young team and new coaches, the Trappers are looking to build for the future.   

After two seasons at Woodland High School, Owen Frasier takes over as head baseball coach for the Trappers.  Varsity assistant coach Jim Wilson returns to Fort baseball in a new role after serving as head coach for 16 seasons.  Also assisting the varsity program is Craig Spicer. A high school and college teammate of Frasier, Spicer will work with Trapper infielders. Rounding out the coaching staff is new head junior varsity coach Anthony Barrett, who will specialize in working with the Trapper catchers.  

The Trappers' hopes for success this season will likely rest highly on the play of their young but promising group of infielders.  With four of the team's top pitchers coming from this group, expect for a lot of rotation between all of the contributors.  Sophomore co-captain Jacob Brugman will anchor the infield and split time between third base and shortstop.  A solid athlete for his size, Brugman's plus arm allows him to make all of the plays on the diamond.  Another key Trapper infielder will be sophomore Derek Pangelinan, who will be a staple at shortstop.  With good bat speed and power, Pangelinan will also be a tough out for the Trappers at the plate.  Another sophomore, Zach Johnson, will see a lot of time at second base.  A switch hitter, Johnson has shown good speed and solid defense in the early going.  At first base, senior Shawn Erager will begin the season as the starter.  Erager is a smart and experienced player with good hands who, at 6'3, provides a nice target to throw to.  Providing depth in the infield will be junior Ernest Montgomery.  With Brugman, Pangelinan, Johnson and Erager all key pitchers for Fort, Montgomery may see time all over the infield as a replacement.  

The Trapper outfield is much more experienced, starting with senior returning starter Kyle Komlosi in centerfield.  A co-captain, Komlosi has the speed and leadership to man the most important outfield position.  Look for a group of seniors to battle for the other two starting spots as well as time at designated hitter.  Of the group, Josue Solis and Mark Rullman have shown the most promise and consistency so far, both defensively and at the plate.  Also competing for playing time are seniors JaQuan Thomas and CJ Branch.  New to baseball, each player has continued to improve and will provide a lift when needed.  The lone junior outfielder, CJ Clark has also impressed in his first season of high school baseball.  A left handed pitcher as well, Clark will be a big part of the 2013 Trapper season.  

The catcher position will be a big question mark for the Trappers in 2013 as no returning player had much previous experience behind the dish.  Of the contenders, junior Matt Hossner has shown the most promise early.  A big kid with a strong arm, Hossner has shown great hitting potential, but must learn the defensive fundementals of the catching position.  

The Trappers will open the season at home on Saturday, March 9th at 12:00pm against Illwaco.