WINONA LAKE – The Grace College baseball team has an optimistic outlook toward the spring season, due in large part to a core of upperclassman leadership.

Grace, who finished 14-31 a year ago, mixes experienced starters with an influx of talented newcomers for the 2016 season.

The team’s mission under head coach Bill Barr hinges on Colossians 3:23-24 — focusing on doing everything as a team for the glory of God rather than for men. The Lancers are dedicated on building a brotherhood that fulfills that mission daily, starting with the team’s captains and working down to the freshmen.

“Every team and season is different. But this team stands out in how they have bought into our mission. They have taken ownership for their personal responsibility and understand the importance of committing to the process,” Barr said. “Based on their work ethic and level of commitment to the program, this group will take their talent as far as it will carry them. Our expectations are pretty high that we’ll be improved in every aspect of the game.”

Centering the squad is the leadership core of seniors Frank Rocchio and Wesley Gensch and juniors Austin Green and Logan Grigsby. Rocchio was the Crossroads League batting champion in 2015 after hitting .405 for the season. He has “made a huge impact” on the team, in Barr’s words, and has earned the respect of his teammates for his work ethic and vocal leadership. 

Gensch, Green and Grigsby have each “contributed mightily to the growth and commitment level of the team.” All three have experience on the mound and will be counted on to produce in 2016.

The Lancers’ pitching will be led by a number of new arms. Blake Converset, a junior transfer from Indiana Tech, has established himself as Grace’s ace in preseason. Freshmen Xavier Harris and Scottie Clark will join junior Jason Stevens to round out Grace’s starting rotation. Harris was the Ohio Division III Player of the Year as a senior at Mount Gilead High School.

Also returning to the bullpen are Gensch, Green, Grigsby, Joe Dougherty and CJ Swartz. Freshman Aaron Voirol may also see time on the mound or in the outfield. The pitching staff consists of strong competitors who know how to handle pressure, according to Barr.

Behind the mound, the Lancers’ defense aims to improve its execution and speed. Barr credited first-year assistant coach Cam Screeton for preparing the defense. 

The outfield will likely include several newcomers. Shay Hepler, a junior transfer from Ancilla College, has impressed in centerfield, and Jakob Radjenovich, Hunter Ackerman and Harris add enhanced speed to the squad. William Swisher and Chase Baker both earned starts during their freshman campaigns, adding experience and depth to the position.

“Our defense takes pride in improving every day. We will have to field the ball to be successful, and the guys are ready for the challenge,” Barr said. “Cam [Screeton] has done a great job preparing the defense, and the team has bought into what we are doing.”

Barr maintains that Grace’s bats will be improved and more balanced than in previous seasons. Rocchio boasts the biggest bat among returners after hitting .405 as a junior with 11 doubles and 24 RBIs. Green drove in 17 runs in 2015, often starting as a designated hitter.

“We will have more power at the plate this year, but we will also be deeper across the lineup. It will be hard for teams to pitch around us from No. 1-9.”

From top to bottom, from pitching to batting to defense, Barr believes the Lancers have improved in the offseason. The squad is more cohesive than ever and is grounded on a deeper calling than simply running the basepaths.

“This is a close-knit unit. We have strong leadership which starts with our captains, and the guys should be commended for the coachability they have demonstrated,” Barr said. “Their commitment and desire has defined them through the preseason. They are playing with courage and determination and are on a mission.”

The Lancers will kick off their season this weekend against Hiwassee College in Tennessee. Grace’s home opener is scheduled for March 15 against Robert Morris.