Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Goodwell, Okla.—Dust off the ball caps and get ready for Opening Day as OPSU Baseball starts the 2015 season off on their home field this Sunday, Feb. 1.

With a new coaching staff at the helm the Aggies seek a fresh start adding 20 fresh faces to the roster; twelve of which are true freshmen. This year's team returns 21 players with seven seniors who will bring experience and leadership to the squad.

First-year Head Coach Jason Miner has instilled a strong work ethic in his team and states, "Our goal is to work hard and compete every day; both in practice and game time. I don't want our guys to be content where they're at, so we can continue building throughout the year."

Miner will look to key returners on the mound to help strike up his defense; senior, right-hander Walker Rainwater will be his "ace on the mound" along with sophomore, lefty Sam Beattie, another top pitcher for the Aggies. Zack Tingen is another senior pitcher who will see action as the season gets underway. Other Aggies looking to make a strong return in 2015 are: catcher Beau Ybarra, first-baseman Nick Crosswhite and centerfielder Payton Osbon.

Assistant Coach Aaron Kalb looks forward to his first season with the Aggies as well. Kalb begins his fourth year in coaching, coming to OPSU by way of Raritan Valley CC in New Jersey. He now serves as pitching coach for the Aggies and has been working hard with his crew throughout the off-season focusing on consistency, location through mechanics, and the ever-so-important, mental game. Coach Kalb shows confidence in his group saying, "We've put the guys in roles that are best for the team."

Watch for three newcomers from Texas to make their way into the pitching rotation this season: Dallas Guerrero (Caprock HS, Amarillo), Adrian Lopez (John Jay HS, San Antonio) and Jonny Mireles (Rockwall HS, Rockwall), as well as Chase Graf (Raymore HS, Kansas City, Mo.) who could also spend some time working the infield.

Pleased with how the teams' hitting is coming along, Coach Miner feels that a few big-hitters will make an impact this season. Junior Nicolas Zieniuk will serve as a designated hitter and will also contribute on defense at catcher and first base, and B.J. Henry looks to see more action at the plate as he enters his sophomore season with the Aggies.

Aggie fans will have plenty of opportunities to catch the Aggies in action as the 2015 schedule consists of 19 home dates beginning with a three-game series against Northwestern Oklahoma State Feb. 1-2. The Aggies will host a round robin tournament the following weekend with Colorado School of Mines and Newman University Feb. 7-8, and continue the home stretch with a four-game series against Truman State Feb. 14-15. Three games against Adams State will finish out February with a double-header on the 20th and nine innings on the 21st.

In addition to great games, fans can mark their calendars for some special event dates this season as well. Saturday, Feb. 14 will be Ladies Day at the Ballpark with each lady in attendance receiving a special gift; Friday, Feb. 20 is set for Military Appreciation Day as the team dons camo unis and welcomes a special guest to toss the first pitch. Seniors will be sent off in style for the final home game of the season on Saturday, Feb. 2 with Senior Recognition Day.

Heartland Conference play will kick off at home Mar. 6-7 with a series against the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith who was picked sixth in conference polls. Miner feels that the games leading up to conference play will prepare his team for tough competition within the Heartland saying, "I think we'll be able to compete within the conference and improve on past records. Our early season is not easy and we'll be able to use it as a barometer to see where we're at as conference approaches."

Fans can look forward to a few new features to make game days even more enjoyable this year. Concessions will now be sold at the baseball field; with the help of the College Corner store fans will be able to purchase snacks and drinks on-site. New restrooms have also been built under the softball press box for use during baseball and softball games.

Come out to the ballpark and experience the excitement of a new season of Aggie Baseball! Complete listings for the 2015 OPSU Baseball schedule and roster can be found on the Baseball page of the OPSU Aggie Athletics website (www.opsuaggies.com).