Wildcats hope to make up for lost time after no season a year ago

Louisburg junior Maverick Rockers will be one of a few returning players for the Wildcats this season after having no spring season a year ago.

A year ago, Kade Larson was preparing for his first season as the Louisburg head baseball coach.

It was an exciting time for the LHS alum and the rest of the Wildcats — but it didn’t turn out how anyone thought it would.

The spread of COVID-19 halted the 2020 campaign and his first season as head coach would have to be put on hold. Along with that, seniors lost a chance to play their final year and the rest of the team lost a year of competition.

Louisburg will have just three seniors on the roster this season and the Wildcats will feature a group that is young and inexperienced in some spots. 

Still, Larson likes what he has returning and the potential this team has.

“I’m very excited for the guys to get out there and represent their school,” Larson said. “Missing a year of school ball is really tough and I can’t wait to see how we play. The biggest problem with missing last year is a whole season of experience. We were going to be a younger team last year and this year we will be even younger. That experience will be missed, but I think our guys can really step up this year. “

The Wildcats return five starters off the 2020 team, including a few that saw time during the 2019 season as well.

Seniors Trevin Lohse, Matt Madison and AJ Drew, along with juniors Brandon Doles, Kolby Kattau and Maverick Rockers, will each play big roles for the Wildcats this season.

Lohse, Rockers, Doles and Kattau will lead the Louisburg pitching staff, with Madison serving as the team’s catcher. 

“Pitching-wise it will be nice to have a little experience back on the mound,” Larson said. “Trevin, Maverick, Doles, and Kolby will need to step up and be leaders on the mound for us this year. I like what these four have been doing on the mound, and if we can get a couple others around them to step up, I think we can be a solid team this year.”

Madison will be one of the team’s top returning hitters, along with Doles, Rockers and Kattau. Junior George Reichart will also fixture into the mix on the infield, while sophomore Mack Newell will open the season at third base and freshman Declan Battle will be in the outfield.

“It was pretty tough on all of us not getting that year to play with each other and missing out on a year to make memories,” Madison said. “With some guys not being there last year, and growing up with them playing, I could see how it hurt them as well.

“I am very excited for the season to get started this week. It’s a big year for me and the team as well. This being my last year I really want to see what I can do to help the team win. Not only that, but help them out in a way that will help them in the future.”

Larson agrees that his lineup has potential and he is looking forward to seeing what this group can do when it opens its season today at Piper.

“On the offensive side, Matt, Doles, and Kattau will be our leaders,” Larson said. “I’ve seen a lot of improvement from Trevin, George Reichart, and Maverick. If those guys can step up I am very excited about our run producing capability.

“I think we have potential to surprise some teams. If we can make the routine plays, we will be in every game at the end with a chance to win.”