EAGLES TO MEET WILDCATS IN 1A SEMIS TODAY

The Oran High baseball team, ranked third in the state coaches poll, will be making its first trip to the Class 1A State Championships since 1981.

Ranked seventh in the same poll, New Bloomfield's Wildcats will be making what seems to be their annual journey to Simmons Field on the campus of the University of Missouri in Columbia when the two schools meet today in a 1A semifinal at 11 a.m.

Winners of six 1A championships since 1986, New Bloomfield (14-6) will be appearing in its fourth straight state semifinal. After winning the 1A title in 1996, the Wildcats placed second last year and return seven starters from that club.

"Last year we could hit," said second-year New Bloomfield coach Scott Smith. "This year we've improved our defense and pitching and that's made us a better overall team."

Eight seniors, entering their fourth state semifinal, will start for the Wildcats against Oran (22-3). The Eagles counter with four senior starters.

"I think (experience) will be a factor, but this group is really good about holding their composure," said Oran coach Mitch Wood. "Right now, they're handling the pressure well and hopefully we can go up (to Columbia) and do the same thing."

Although Wood can't do much about his team's lack of state experience, he is doing everything he can to get his team accustomed to the playing conditions they'll face in Columbia.

The grass infield of Simmons Field has been a major point of interest.

Monday evening the Eagles practiced on the grass infield at Notre Dame High, then moved over to Capaha Field for nearly two more hours of workouts. Oran was scheduled to practice on another grass infield Tuesday at Rockbridge High in Columbia.

Playing on two state semifinal teams at Holcomb High in the early 1980's, Wood realizes the benefits of exposing his team to a grass infield.

"We played on dirt all year long -- never even seen a grass infield -- and the first year we didn't do very well," Wood said of his initial state experience. "The next year we got up there, we practiced and (took second)."

Considering the two teams' records, it might appear the Eagles have the upperhand. A slow start due to injuries, plus a rugged schedule which annually includes a host of bigger schools in Columbia and Jefferson City, played a huge part in New Bloomfield's mark.

"We play a lot of big schools and really have a tough schedule," Smith said. "At the end of the year, we don't usually have a glowing record."

Last year, New Bloomfield placed second in 1A with a 13-9 mark. This season, the Wildcats started the season 4-5, but have recovered to win 10 of its last 11.

"We had a lot of injuries to key players, but they've recovered and we're playing a lot better now," said Smith, who's seen injuries to his players range from a torn ACL to a ruptured spleen.

Mike Antweiler, still rounding into form after injuring his ACL during basketball season, will start on the hill for New Bloomfield. Antweiler was the Wildcats' ace last year, but is their No. 2 hurler this season. He enters with a 3-1 mark and 3.60 earned run average.

Fellow right-hander Scott Nichols will relieve Antweiler, if needed. Using a fastball that can reach 88 miles per hour, Nichols has taken over as the Wildcats' ace with a record of 8-2 and a 1.30 ERA.

Left fielder John Lester (.476) and returning all-state catcher Brandon Maddox (.426, 10 home runs) lead an offense that average eight runs a game and combine to bat .350.

Playing positions in the middle of the field, seniors Justin McAlister (shortstop/pitcher), Jeff Schaefer (catcher), Justin Wierman (second base) and Jeremy Pobst (center field) have provided tremendous leadership for Oran.

"Schaefer's leading us in hitting (.426), Wierman leads in RBIs (20), Pobst is one of the best outfielders in the area and McAlister's been our ace on the mound and one of our best infielders," said Wood. "They've definitely been our leaders."

Juniors Dustin Dannenmueller (5-1, 1.97), Billy Loper (six home runs) and Dustin Glastetter (6-2, 0.85 ERA) have also been solid contributors. Wood said either Dannenmueller or McAlister (8-0, 2.03 ERA) would start on the mound today for Oran.

* In the other 1A semifinal, top-ranked Halfway meets No. 5 Mack's Creek at 1:30 p.m. The winners advance to Thursday's championship game at 5 p.m. The losers play for third-place Tursday at 11:30 a.m.