Taravella Winning Today And Building For Tomorrow

Taravella Manager Alan Clark, sat on the tractor he uses to groom the infield at the Trojans’ field on the Taravella campus. This is one of his many jobs and apropos to what he is doing with his baseball team.

Clark, in his third year as Manager, has a strong team. They return a host of players who performed well last year as well as some strong newcomers. He also has some underclassmen who have been developed through the ranks of Clark’s system. This is one of the keys to his vision, grooming the younger players, and reaping the benefits of past development. So far that has worked well under his watch, as the team is strong now and also has a bright future.

“My biggest thing is that everyone who is here, matters. Here the JVs are not an afterthought; the JVs are the future of the club,” Clark said. “If you’re varsity, you’ve made the club and it is your time to try to win.”

Clark has plenty of support as he creates this positive growing atmosphere. All of his assistant coaches from last year are back this year. Tommy Collaro oversees hitting and outfield. Steven Somers works daily with the catching crew. Dale Stouffer and Claude Love incorporate the younger junior varsity players into the rigors of the daily practices. Chris and Colby Costanzo round out the staff.

Dealing with 40 kids on the field, Clark wants to keep them busy. His assistants make sure the squad of 40 are involved. Clark has his assistants work the team in groups, concentrating on outfield assignments, fielding techniques for the infield and the basics of hitting. Clark is focusing on the pitching staff.

The Trojans’ strength for the 2015 season lies in their pitching staff.

“We have some good arms and Justin Walker is our horse.” Clark proudly stated. Walker, a senior this year, totaled over 59 innings pitched last year and had a stellar 2.01 earned run average.

Clark expects big things from Zach Pernick and versatile Nik Sanders, who also can play first and outfield when he is not on the mound.

“The offense will use speed and timely hitting,” said senior outfielder Gavin Robinson, who hit for a .333 average and had 10 steals last year said. “We have some good kids who can move and get a base when we need it.”

In addition to their speed, they have some punch. Manny Pantaleon, also a senior, hit a solid .324 and roams the outfield along with Robinson. Catcher Michael Fitscher led the team in RBIs and returns for his senior season.

Shortstop Zach Costanzo felt very confident that the defense would also be a strength for the team this year.

“We have a good infield with Nik at first and some new guys, Andrew Labosky and Henry Matias at second and third,” Costanzo said.

They will be anchored with stalwart senior Fitschen behind the plate. Fitschen threw out 14 base runners last year, but it is his leadership that matters the most.

“Mike is like an extra coach on the field,” Clark said. “It is important for the younger guys to watch what he does and how his actions help us during the game.”

The Navy and Gray Trojans have some new comers to the team this year and Clark thinks they will have a solid impact during the season. Joining the team this year are, Chad McDaniel, Giovanni Bonilla, Andrew Labosky and Henry Matias. Matias showed great range and a good glove during a recent practice .

Taravella jumps right into the 2015 season with a tough first game. They meet Park Vista, who went 26-4 last season. Clark, his staff and his team are ready for this and all challenges in the 2015 schedule. Under Clark, they are ready to win now with their eyes on the goal of reaching the Regional tournament for a second year in a row.

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