Advertisement

"We're probably looking to jumping right into the league," Vanwagoner said. "Realistically, our first game may be at Forest Area."

The delay doesn't seem to worry Mancelona's coach, who will see the return of last season's entire line-up after losing only one player to graduation.

"We've got a pretty strong crew this season," he said. "Most of the team is sophomores and juniors and we only have two seniors. The next two years will be strong."

Strength in classroom is a common theme among the Ironmen, according to Vanwagoner, who described his team as being a tight-knit group of intelligent student-athletes who are easy to teach. The Ironmen had a team grade point average of 3.5 last season.

Juniors Greg Blanco and Kodi Balhorn look to continue their dominance at the plate after handing in the team's leading batting averages last season. Blanco led with a .486 and Balhorn cranked out a .428 on a team that plays for the postseason, according to Vanwagoner.

"District and regional titles are what I strive for. Conference wins take care of themselves," he said. "We play in a strong district and you have to come in strong. These kids are very focused, hard workers and they understand what they want."

Setting goals for postseason play, Mancelona will concentrate on maintaining a solid defense, turning out a good pitching staff, and developing the mental strength required to advance in the postseason.

"You have to heart," Vanwagoner said. "I'm a hard-nosed coach, not so rah-rah, and I like mentally tough kids."

Returning to the field once it dries out is senior pitcher Cody Sehl, who recently decided to play his senior year after some debate.

The Mancy Invite is scheduled for April 12 pending a drier playing surface, followed by an away game against Forest Area on April 14.