For over 45 years, the varsity Oxford Wildcats have been dedicated to winningon the baseball diamond, but for the past three years, that dedication has been taken to a whole new level.
Part of the reason is Coach Kurt Nuss, entering his third season in the varsity dugout. But Nuss is quick to point out the players deserve every ounce of the credit. Following a winning 2003 season, the team is ready to take a shot at the Flint Metro League championship.
When asked about this year, Nuss replied, ‘We will focus on competing on every pitch. We get after it on every play. We want the opposition to start reacting to us instead of the other way around.?
Last year, the Cats competed well after losing nine starters to the 2002 graduation. Although inexperienced, the team managed to hold their own going 19-11 before losing to Lake Orion in the finals to end their season.
Graduated seniors Andrew Bukoski and Sean Maher left big shoes to fill on the mound for the Wildcats, but Nuss hopes this year’s seniors can get the job done. On the mound this season will likely be seniors Ryan Stull, Bryan Mattack and Matt Zurbrick.
‘In baseball, your pitching is your season,? Nuss said, ‘We have a lot of potential there, but they gotta step up because none of them have ever been an ace before.?
The Wildcats? offense is expected to be supplied by sluggers David Reile, Steve Flores and David Fisher; while the Wildcats look to be set on the defensive end of the diamond with returning infielders such as Shawn Gall at first, David Reile at second, Fisher at third and Mattack at shortstop. Junior Mike Jones is the starting catcher.
The outfielder also impresses Nuss. Junior Brett Brammer will play right field again for the Wildcats, and Joel Grifka will play left. The team will depend heavily on centerfielder Steve Flores to carry the load.
‘Steve Flores is one of the best centerfielders in the area,? Nuss said.
As for Flores, he has high hopes for the team as well this season.
‘I’m not settling for anything less than a district title and a Flint-Metro title,? said Flores, ‘I think we’re very capable of accomplishing those two goals. We’re really excited to get started and play some ball.?
The Wildcats? season began with the a loss to Goodrich, 6-2 on April 1. An April 3 match against Richmond was rained out after the first inning. The Cats travel to Romeo today (Wednesday, April 7).
Mike Stechschulte is a junior at Oxford High School who plans to major in the field of journalism.