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By CODY TOMER
MCMECHEN -- Bishop Donahue's baseball program has achieved many great feats in recent years.
The Bishops are just two years removed from a trip to the state tournament, where they fell in the semifinals and they have won OVAC titles in five of the last six seasons.
Last year, Bishop Donahue dropped its sectional final contest to Wheeling Central and lost three seniors to graduation but coach Bob Kleeh, who is in his ninth year with the program and sixth as the head coach, is setting his sights on a fresh season with talented players.
"I want to compete for another OVAC championship this year," Kleeh said. "We also want to get to Charleston and if we play hard and smart, make the routine plays and stay solid on the mound, then I think we can make that ride to Charleston."
A big obstacle for the Bishops to overcome right off the bat will be the loss of a trio of seniors who impacted the squad in several ways.
Andrew Rush recorded a 5-2 record on the mound for Bishop Donahue, while third-baseman Zach McCoy tallied a .322 batting average and Matt Wesolowski was a do-it-all utility player.
This year, Kleeh returns five seniors, who are ready to leave their mark on the history of Bishop Donahue.
Leading that senior class into the 2017 campaign is second-team all-state pitcher and infielder, John Stocklask.
"John (Stocklask) finished last year 6-1 on the mound with a 1.67 E.R.A.," Kleeh said. "He was also great with the bat, hitting for an average of .457 and we expect that and more out of him this season."
Senior Chris Barry will handle the duties at first base after slugging a stellar .325 average at the dish a year ago, while classmate J.C. Custer patrols center field.
"Custer will be a four-year starter in center for us," Kleeh said. "He does a nice job in the field and added a .297 average on offense for us last year, too."
Guiding the pitching staff from behind the plate will be senior catcher and second-year starter, Harrison Nick, who posted a .310 average during his junior campaign.
Rounding out the senior group is second baseman Gage Wilson, who finished last season with an impressive .349 average.
The six juniors on the club might be what pushes the Bishops to the next level, with five pitchers and solid hitters.
Nate Rush is coming off of a season where he hit at a .305 clip.
"Rush is slick around the bag at second and a solid player," Kleeh said. "He is a natural second baseman but we are moving him to shortstop this year."
Rush can also give the Bishops some innings on the mound, if needed.
Another junior who should make a great impact for the Bishops is Logan Wells, who recorded a record of 6-2 and an E.R.A. of 1.76 as a sophomore, while batting .290 as well.
"This year, we expect Wells to bat way above .300 and do a solid job on the mound for us, too," Kleeh said.
Doug Clark (P/OF) delivered a .315 average in the batter's box in 2016, while Dustin Beazel (P/IF/OF), B.J. Stewart (P/IF/OF) and Patrick Malloy (OF) round out the junior class.
The sophomores include Mike Reilly (P/IF), Matt Fouty (P/IF), Hayden Kaschke (C ) and Anthony Robbins (1B).
"Robbins has good hands in baseball," Kleeh said. "He is a great athlete and a great basketball player, too, and he adapts quickly."
The lone freshman is Brennan Daniels (OF).
"I think we can be pretty competitive this year," Kleeh said. "Wheeling Central was a state finalist last year, Madonna is going to be even better and coach Eric James is bringing Cameron along, as well.
"If we can be solid in the field and on the mound, we will be fine. Last year we were a singles hitting team but if we can put the ball in play and find a few gaps, I expect to compete."
Kleeh is assisted by Eric Gordon, Kent Jones and Tom Kochalka.
March 18: Valley (2) noon
March 20: Linsly 5:30 p.m.
March 21: at Madonna 5 p.m.
March 23: at Cameron 6 p.m.
March 25: at Whg Central (2) noon
March 27: at Toronto 5:30 p.m.
March 28: at Bridgeport 5:30 p.m.
March 29: at Weir 5 p.m.
March 30: at Paden City 5:30 p.m.
March 31: Magnolia 5 p.m.
April 1: at Cambridge (2) noon
April 3: Shadyside 5 p.m.
April 4: Bridgeport 5:30 p.m.
April 5: at Linsly 5:30 p.m.
April 6: Paden City 5:30 p.m.
April 7: Park.Catholic * 4 p.m.
April 8: Notre Dame* 11 a.m.
April 8: at Char. Catholic* 2:30 p.m.
April 10: at Magnolia 5 p.m.
April 11: Cameron 6 p.m.
April 17: at Beallsville (2) 3 p.m.
April 18: Madonna 5 p.m.
April 20: at Shadyside 5 p.m.
April 21: at Frontier ** TBA
April 22: at OVAC semifinals TBA
April 22: Tyler C. Wooden Bat TBA
April 24: Weir 5:30 p.m.
May 5: Steub.Catholic 5:30 p.m.
* WV Catholic Tourney
** Tyler Wood Bat Tourney