PREP BASEBALL 1993 / CENTURY LEAGUE : Canyon

1992 RECORDS OVERALL LEAGUE 19-8-1 11-3-1

COACH RECORD AT SCHOOL Mike Najera 0-0

RETURNING STARTERS YR. POS. B-T James Jekums Sr. OF R-R Royce Valent Sr. C R-R

OTHER TOP RETURNERS YR. POS. B-T Corey Cruz Sr. P R-R Gunnar Strunz Jr. SS/P R-R Eric Valent So. OF L-L Casey Wilson Jr. OF R-R

TOP NEWCOMERS YR. POS. B-T Rich Lanser Sr. P R-R Kent Miller Sr. 1B R-R Taylor Wilson Sr. OF L-L

OUTLOOK

On the surface, the Comanches appear to be in trouble. They return only two starters and have only five lettermen back. However, things might be better then they seem. After all, Canyon’s junior varsity and freshman teams won league championships. So things might work out, but it will take time. “I’m hoping the kids come around, but we’re probably going to make mistakes early,” Najera said. Canyon lost its top three pitchers from last season and finding replacements hasn’t been easy. Lanser was 10-0 on the junior varsity and will be looked upon to be the No. 1 starter, at least for now. Strunz will also get some time on the mound. From there, it’s anyone’s guess. “We’re having everyone pitch in practice to see who can throw strikes,” Najera said. “I think we have some pretty good kids. It’s just going to depend on how they react to the varsity level.” Much the same can be said about Najera, who takes over for long-time Coach Hi Lavalle. Najera has been in the Canyon program since 1979 as an assistant. Canyon might get help from Brian Jalowiec, who missed much of last season with a separated shoulder and is recovering from a rib injury.