Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 7 Lincoln-Way East

After the Griffins’ loss in the regional final to their next-door neighbors and rivals Lincoln-Way Central last season, head coach Paul Babcock resigned. The program’s next hire was going to be a very important one because, looking ahead at the state of the roster, its best players -- really some of Illinois’ brightest it has to offer -- belong to East and will enter the 2018 season as juniors. The Frankfort high school quickly, but carefully, looked over the candidates to take over this exciting group of players and the big pile of interested applicants pointed to only one name: Eric Brauer.

Brauer has found much success in his time as a head baseball coach in the state. Previously, Brauer spent the past nine years at Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights where he served not only as head baseball coach, but as the school’s athletic director. During his time as head coach of the 2A program, Brauer stacked the school’s trophy case; he helped his team earn eight regional titles and a sectional crown in less than a decade. They finished third at state in 2017 to conclude an historic 40-win campaign.

With such a decorated track record, Brauer is fully equipped to handle the antsy expectations this young, talented group will have after a disappointing 2017 season.

X-FACTOR

Junior LHP Cole Kirschsieper. The talented southpaw is poised for a breakout year for the Griffins. Kirschsieper and Danny Zimmerman, both left-handers, create one of the best one-two punches in the state. If Kirschsieper can continue to build off of his success last spring and the summer state playoffs, Lincoln-Way East will undoubtedly be one of the toughest team’s in the Southwest Suburban league and the state.

Kirschsieper stays even keeled on the mound, absolutely pounds the zone with his three-pitch mix and can run his fastball into the upper-80’s. Keep an eye on Kirschsieper as Lincoln-Way East tries to navigate their way to Joliet.

Cole Kirschsieper (2.11.18)