Sierra Vista: Program Spotlight

What are your expectations for your program for the 2021 Spring Season?

Well it is usually to make the post-season but since every team in 4A makes it our goal is to win a state championship. I would also like to get my seniors and juniors recruited.

Who are the top returning players you have coming back this Spring? Expectations of those players?

Our top players are Dom Lopez (SS-2021), Ariel Rodriguez (2B-2022), Spencer Blackwell (RHP-2021), Carson Sanchez (RHP-2022), Alan Gaber (C-2021), Champ Tenorio (CF-2021), Peter Torbicki (RF/LHP-2021), JT Starkus (1B/RHP-2023), Blake Wambold (LF-2021) and Xander Ah Mow (RHP-2021). We are very senior heavy with 10 seniors. Our expectations are continued improvement in all aspects of the game and getting them into appropriate colleges based on their skill level.

Who on your roster do you expect to have a breakout season in 2021?

2021 - Dom Lopez and Spencer Blackwell
2022 - Carson Sanchez and Ariel Rodriguez
2023 - JT Starkus and Brendan Doughty

How does your program differentiate from others? What does your program do in the Summer and Fall Seasons?

I don’t know how different we are from other programs, all I know is that we work hard year round to get better and to win. In the summer we historically have played Legion Ball, but we are moving to Connie Mack. In the Fall and Winter we usually travel to AZ and CA to play in tournaments and we also play in local tournaments.

How are you preparing for the Spring?

This year we are doing what we can. We have not had access to our field since March 12, 2020 so we have been going to local parks and a local batting cage to get work in. We have also played in out-of-state tournaments and local leagues.

What has your program done to combat the restricted ability to play baseball over the past year?

Same as the above question. We have been going to local parks and a local batting cage to get work in. We have also played in out-of-state tournaments and local leagues.

Do you have any college commits within the program?

Nothing official yet, but we have a few guys who have been in contact with schools. I am hoping that us staying in 4A and not moving up to 5A has not hurt our players chances to play at the next level, especially the higher D1 and D2 levels. We have no control over what division we play in unless we start winning games and titles at the 4A level and move up in a couple years. Honestly we have some really good players here and our level should not matter.

Besides a State Championship, what do you try to accomplish within your program every year?

We focus on three things. One, getting our player better in all aspects of the game. Two, getting our players to play college ball. And three, developing mentally and physically strong young men with high character and leadership skills.