By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 50 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage:

Team: St. Rita
Preseason Rank: 4
2014 Record: 37-5
Conference: Chicago Catholic Blue
IHSA Class: 4A 
Head Coach: Mike Zunica
Playoff Run: Class 4A state runner-up
2014 Final Rank: 3
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 6

TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Tyler Halas, INF/RHP, 2015 (Tennessee)
Shane Peisker, OF, 2015 (Navy)
Marty Bechina, SS, 2015 (Michigan State)
Danny Gleaves, OF, 2016
Mateo Zunica, OF, 2016
Matt Ryan, LHP, 2015 (Butler)
Anthony Faron, 1B, 2015 (St. Francis)
Max Franklin, RHP, 2016
Matt Lenzen, RHP, 2015
Dan Budziak, LHP/OF, 2015 (Webster)

X-FACTOR
Tyler Halas. The 6-foot Tennessee recruit is a two-way standout for the Mustangs, and will be counted on to anchor the pitching staff. Last season, Halas posted a 6-0 record with a 1.79 ERA while batting .348 with 13 doubles, two homers, two triples and 36 RBI.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH
Cal Greenfield. The 6-foot, 200-pound sophomore catcher has the potential to be a high-level prospect.

KEY PLAYERS LOST
LHP Mike Costanzo (Austin Peay)
RHP/OF Jake Shepski (Notre Dame)
C Nate Soria (Xavier)
LHP CJ Santoyo (Utah)
1B Nick Goldsmith (football)

STAT RAT
The Mustangs are arguably the most consistent program in the state, year after year. Over the last 11 years, the Mustangs have had nine 30-plus win seasons and have made five state appearances, including three runner-up finishes. In that span they have averaged 31.8 wins. In coach Mike Zunica’s 19-year tenure, he has a 546-186 career record.

OUTLOOK
The Mustangs are once again primed for another state-championship caliber season. Last year, St. Rita was the heavy favorites to win its first state championship, but got upended by Providence in the title game. Zunica has had his share of powerhouses, but he said this year’s edition may be the best one-through-nine teams he’s ever had. There’s little doubt the Mustangs will be able to put a lot of runs on the board, as the team features excellent athleticism throughout. Their outfield is as good as any team in the state with the return of left-handed hitting Shane Piesker (.371 BA, 16 stolen bases), junior Danny Gleaves (school-record .519 BA, 31 stolen bases) and left-handed hitting junior Mateo Zunica. Halas, SS Marty Bechina and 1B Anthony Faron are all run-producers at the plate. On the mound, the Mustangs have plenty of pitching options, but will sorely miss ace LHP Mike Costanzo (11-2) and RHP Jake Shepski (7-1). Halas should anchor the staff, but look for junior RHP Max Franklin to emerge as a potential ace. LHP Matt Ryan, RHP Matt Lenzen and a host of others should also see significant time on the mound.

BOTTOM LINE
The Mustangs are a statewide force, year in and year out. This season will be no different. St. Rita should once again vie for the Chicago Catholic Blue championship and make another run at a state title. If another pitcher or two emerges during the season, then the Mustangs have the talent to finally break through and claim the school’s first state championship.

Preseason Countdown

+ Top 50 Preseason Countdown Rankings

+ 2015 Schedules Released

+ Updated Illinois 2016 Rankings

+ Updated Illinois 2015 Rankings

+ June Event Schedule