Baseball team looks to improve in 2012 season

After a 16-19 record this last season, the coaches of the Golden West baseball team are hopeful for better results when next season starts in the spring. Success won't come easy, as the Orange Empire Conference is perennially one of the state's best conferences. An Orange Empire school has won six state championships since 1991.

Continuity is something the Rustlers will have in the spring with the entire coaching staff, led by head coach Bert Villarreal, returning. Returning players on the pitching mound also provide GWC with the continuity necessary to be successful.

"On the mound Nic Hanson was hurt last year," Villarreal said, "He was going to be our big guns."

Jason Deitrich who transferred from Long Beach State will be the number two starter for the Rustlers.
"We have a lot more depth, we're just looking for our third starter."

The mystery for Golden West will be how their offense performs. "Blake Cooper our all-OEC second team designated hitter is back to play first base, and is a solid left-handed hitter. The rest of the team consists of all new players," Villarreal said.

"Like always our goal is to win a championship, in the toughest conference around," Villarreal said.