Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Goodwell, Okla.—Aggie baseball opens the 2014 season with several new faces and a new attitude of excitement for what lies ahead.

Aggie fans can look forward to 15 home dates this year, starting in February with a two-day series against Lincoln University (Missouri) on Feb. 7-8. The team opens on the road this weekend in Alva, Okla. playing a three-game series against Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Feb. 1-2.

OPSU Baseball Coach Steve Appel is enthusiastic when speaking of this year's ball club saying, "We've got something to build on this year; good new coaches and young players who are buying into the program."

The Aggies return three seniors, six juniors, and seven sophomores this year. Returning outfielders include seniors Trey Wooten and Jordan Bernal, and sophomore Payton Osbon. Sophomores Robert Montoya and Ruben Aguirre return as infielders along with junior Nick Crosswhite. Behind the plate is junior Bo Ybarra and freshman B.J. Henry who will also take the mound for the Aggies. Sophomore Adam Burke returns as the only RHP with any mound experience from last year.

Thirteen freshmen were added to this year's roster along with seven transfer students. Key newcomers include two transfers out of Jarvis Christian College: Lucas Ogaz (2B) and Sean Coleman (LHP/OF). Brought in as right-handed pitchers, transfers Tom Parker (SO) from Dodge City CC and Spencer Long (JR) from Mesa CC are expected to make an impact along with freshman left-handed pitcher Sam Beattie. Nicolas Zieniuk, a sophomore transfer from the University of Bridgeport, will spend most of his time behind the plate, but will also have some time on the mound for the Aggies.

Coach Appel said this of his group of guys, "We are two-deep at each position with players that I feel I can trust at any time to step in and do their job; we are young on the mound but have been pounding the strike zone thus far in practice and they seem to compete well under pressure.  The real added bonus this year is something we just were not good at last year, and that is scoring runs.  The guys understand how to get jobs done offensively."

Appel is looking forward to playing at home early this year and has been pleased with the team's progress in the off-season. Thanks to nice weather, the team was able to practice outside all but once this winter which Appel feels makes a huge impact for such a young team.

Two new coaches have also joined the team this year: Mike Green will coach the infield and third base and Nate Landry will coach the outfield and first base. Green comes to OPSU by way of St. Clair County Junior College in Michigan and Landry from Shreiner University in Kerrville, Texas.

"I can tell you two important things about this team thing, we will work hard and compete every pitch, and also play the game the right way.  This team works hard and has the potential to be a very exciting ball club right now and in the future," concluded Appel.

To view the full roster and schedule, please visit the OPSU Aggie Athletics website at www.opsuaggies.com.