By Derek Shore
Head Coach: Nick Swillum
2015-16 Record: 18-9 W-L (5-3 in Big 8 Conference play) – Eliminated by Logan-Rogersville in Class 4, District 11 semifinals
Top Players: Brett Campbell (SS/P), Garrett Hadlock (3B), Chance Fenton (2B), and Ty Boswell (CF)
Competing in the ever-challenging Big 8 Conference can make or break some teams, including the Mount Vernon Mountaineers, who compiled an impressive 18-9 overall record last spring yet finished in the middle of the pack in the conference race.
“Last year was another fun season to be a part of,” Mount Vernon head baseball coach Nick Swillum said. “Our players competed hard, had some amazing comeback victories, and a number of different players came through in clutch situations. Our early exit from districts was disappointing, but 18 victories during the season is something we were very proud of.”
Despite perennial power Carl Junction leaving for the COC-Large, Mount Swillum already sees one team above all rest.
“Aurora will be the team to beat in the conference and our district,” he said.
But…
“I expect us to be extremely competitive in the conference and in our district this season,” Swillum added. “We have two proven starting pitchers returning with a number of other young quality arms.
“Our pitching should be good. Defensively we will be as good or better than a year ago. If we can put up some offensive numbers this year, we will see a lot of success.”
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The Mountaineers graduated four seniors and two significant ones at that, including all-state performers Payton Oehlschlager and Chris Marsh, who’s now playing college baseball at Central Methodist (NAIA).
“A leader for us on and off the field,” Swillum said of Oehlschlager. “Great speed, a great competitor, and great baseball talent. Chris put up big numbers offensively. Supplied our power and did a great job at first base for us.”
However, Mount Vernon does return four regulars and seven lettermen to the field. The returning starters include seniors Brett Campbell, Garrett Hadlock and juniors Chance Fenton and Ty Boswell.
Campbell, a 6-foot-1, 175 lb shortstop, hit .274 with two extra base hits, 20 total hits, 11 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. He also went 4-2 with a 3.05 ERA on the mound last year as well.
“Very strong defensive shortstop with a lot of athletic ability,” Swillum said. “On the mound, he’s a very smart competitor.”
As a junior, Hadlock batted .250 with three extra-base hits, 16 total hits, and 15 RBI. Swillum described him as an excellent defensive third baseman with a lot of athletic ability, who continues to improve on the offensive side.
At the varsity level, Fenton collected 21 hits for a .333 average along with two doubles, nine RBI, and nine stolen bases. He’s a strong defender at second base with athletic ability.
Boswell collected 17 total hits, seven RBI, and three steals while hitting .279 as an underclassman as well. Swillum said he’s got outstanding ability both offensively and defensively.
To round out the returnees, seniors Cole Duncan and Dustin Hearne and junior Jayden Buttram.
“Cole will be making the move to first base this year,” Swillum said. “He has a lot of potential. Dustin is a hard working player, who’s a very positive teammate and enjoys the game. Jayden has tons of potential as our new starting catcher.”
Newcomers for the Mountaineers include juniors Kyle Bushman (P) and Ethan Johnston (OF) in addition to sophomores Kelley Vaughn (OF) and Will Boswell (INF).
Mount Vernon opens the season at home against Springfield Catholic on Fri., Mar. 17.
