By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

As we prepare for the upcoming 2015 high school season, we will be taking a preseason glimpse at programs from around the state.

Team: Austin
Nickname: Packers
Class: AAA
League: Big 9
Head Coach: Chris Gogolewski
Years as Head Coach at School: 2
2014 Overall Record: 4-13
2014 League Record: 2-8
2014 League Finish: NA
2014 Post-Season Finish: Lost in 1st Round

Returning Starters: 5
Pitchers with 15+ Innings Returning: 3

Starters Lost: 4
Pitchers with 15+ Innings Lost: 2

X-FACTOR
The Packer will need to find momentum and be able to compete with Rochester John Marshall, Mayo, Century as well as Owatonna and Faribault in the tough Big 9 Conference.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH
2016, Dylan Gasner, C
2016, Nate Connor
2016, Alex Ciola

2015 OUTLOOK
Austin looks to rebound from last season's 1st round loss in the play-offs. The Packers return 5 starting position players from last seasons squad. Also 3 pitchers who logged over 15 innings each will bring experience to the mound. 2016 Dylan Gasner, a switch-hitting catcher, should make an immediate impact for Austin this year. Many of the players had strong summer seasons; and the Packers hope that success will carry into the 2015 spring season. Head Coach Chris Gogolewski feels like many of his players are starting to find their groove; and with strong leadership in the spring; Austin has a chance to be competitive.

For Minnesota high school baseball news and updates follow us on Twitter @PBRMinnesota

COACHES PRESEASON QUESTIONNAIRE

We appreciate all of the help provided by high school coaches across the state assisting with our preseason coverage. If you have not already done so you can fill out our coaches' preseason questionnaire online by clicking here.