2018 UIL Team Preview: Grand Prairie
December 17, 2017
The Texas high school season kicks off on February 19, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on January 26, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.
Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be rolling out team previews of high school teams all across the state and across all classifications, eventually launching our Preseason Power 25.
We have been sending out our annual Preseason Questionnaire to coaches all across the state and as the responses flood in we will bring you a snapshot of what to expect along with top players and keys to success for that particular team. If you don’t see your team’s season preview make sure your head coach fills out his Preseason Questionnaire.
Team: Grand Prairie
2017 Record: 10-14
Conference Finish: 5th
Conference: 7-6A
THSA Classification: 6A
Head Coach: Jon Rustenhaven
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Pitchers: 1
TOP PLAYERS
Name | State | School | Class | Pos | Commitment |
Mario Pena | TX | Grand Prairie | 2019 | RHP/SS | |
Adam Suarez | TX | Grand Prairie | 2018 | 3B/1B | |
Joel Sanchez | TX | Grand Prairie | 2018 | C/RHP | |
Javier Cruz | TX | Grand Prairie | 2020 | RHP/INF | |
Ramon Torres | TX | Grand Prairie | 2020 | RHP/INF | |
Romeo Lara | TX | Grand Prairie | 2018 | INF/OF |
SEASON PREVIEW
Coach Jon Rustenhaven may just have his work cut out for him this season as he only returns three starters and one pitcher from last year. RHP/SS Mario Pena will hold things down on the mound and up the middle for the Gophers. Seniors Adam Suarez, Joel Sanchez, and Romeo Lara will be looked upon to provide leadership and maturity to an otherwise inexperienced team. Underclassmen Javier Cruz and Ramon Torres should see time on the mound and in the infield and will be relied upon to make an imediate impact.
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