Courtland High School Cougar Baseball

Kyle Meadows has joined the Cougar Baseball program as Clubhouse Manager for the 2010 season.  Meadows, a sixth grader at Battlefield Middle School, will assist the coaching staff and Cougar players during practice and will serve as the team Bat Boy on game night.  Cougar head coach, Tim Acors said, "We are thrilled to have Kyle on board for the 2010 season.  He is working hard on the baseball field for us and in the classroom for himself.  He will surely be a vital component to our success this season."

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West Virginia University sophomore lefty, Jon Jones ('08) picked up his first win of 2010 against Perdue University on Monday.  Check out the article here:

http://www.msnsportsnet.com/page.cfm?sport=baseball&show=16129

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The JV and varsity scrimmage scheduled for Saturday, March 6 at home (Patriot Park for JV) has been moved to Lee Davis High School in Mechanicsville.  Start time for both will be 12 noon.

Get directions here: http://hcps2.hanover.k12.va.us/directions/dir_ldhs.html 

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The 2010 Cougars bear strong resemblance to last year's squad having graduated just four seniors.  This year's squad looks to avenge a third place Battlefield District finish and a 13-7 record.

The loss of right-hander, Zach Sherrod and infielder Ernie Letterie will be filled by a talented group of youngsters including junior right-hander, Travis Weaver.  Weaver led all JV pitchers in 2009 in wins, strikeouts, and ERA.  At the plate, he also finished in the top three in every offensive category.

Also returning are eight starters including seven seniors.  Senior first baseman, Ryan McBroom hit .472 with two homeruns, nine doubles, and 24 RBI, and should pace the Cougars offense again in 2010.  Junior outfielder and catcher, Jonathan Haught led the Cougars with 25 batted in and has been swinging the bat tremendously well early this spring.  Senior right fielder, Casey Lynch hit in 11 straight games to begin 2009 and hopes to improve on his already impressive .386 average.  Junior shortstop, Clay Keranen (who hit .365) led the Cougars with nine stolen bases last spring and should provide a spark again in 2010.

The Cougars pitching staff is anchored by junior, Clay Keranen.  Keranen won four games in 2009, striking out 55 in 34 1/3 innings with a 2.45 ERA.  He will be flanked by senior southpaw, Ryan McBroom who went 2-0 with 33 strikeouts in 18 innings of work and senior righty, Steven Bennett who finished 1-0 with a 2.14 ERA.  The Cougars are once again blessed to have senior backstop, Joe Nartowicz handling the experienced staff.  Nartowicz threw out 97 percent of runners attempting to steal in 2009 and led the Cougars with his .993 fielding percentage.  Nartowicz will also see time on the mound in 2010 giving way to junior, Jonathan Haught behind the dish.

"We have been very pleased with the progress our guys have made in the off-season.  Dealing with adverse conditions in practice and seeing their attitude and effort has been encouraging.  Our seniors are providing great leadership and everyone is beginning to settle into their roles.  We are optimistic and hope to contend, but also understand that much improvement is needed from where we finished last season," third year skipper, Tim Acors said.  "If we continue to work this hard and get better everyday, we'll be there in June."

The Cougars open up at home on Wednesday, March 17 at home against Massaponax at 4:00 pm.

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Congratulations to those young men selected to play JV baseball at Courtland.  This year's group includes sophomore returnees Jesse Belcastro who shined behind the plate in 2009 and led off for the Cougar Cubs' high powered offense.  Jesse looks to make a move to the infield and pick up right where he left off last season.  Hard throwing right-hander, Nick Zaluzney returns as well.  He has continued to make strides in the right direction.  Nick's ability to command the strike zone make him one of the best pitching prospects in the program and in the area.  Infielder Zach Drinkard has worked diligently in the off-season and will settle somewhere in the Cougar Cubs infield in 2010.  His strength gains will certainly show up at the plate and in his arm strength.  The Cougar Cubs welcome a very talented bunch of newcomers including Sophomore transfer Jeremiah Yates. Yates comes from two well-coached programs in the area (Massaponax and Culpeper) and is a tremendous athlete.  He will see time in the outfield and will provide a power arm on the mound.  Zach Braswell, an outfielder and pitcher has a great deal of knowledge of the game and plays with a passion that is rarely matched.  His defensive abilities and his aggressiveness at the plate are unmatched.  Freshman right hander, Jacob Neal possesses 3 quality pitches and has shown good command on the bump.  He will see time in the infield, as well and will compete at 3 different positions.  These young men and all the Cougar Cubs look to defend their three straight Battlefield District JV titles and win their fourth in 2010.  They open up at Rick Holcomb Field on March 15 against Louisa at 5 pm.

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2008 Courtland grad. and West Virginia University lefty, Jonathan Jones started his season against Kentucky on a strong note.  While he pitched well, the Mountaineers struggled to get much going offensively and took the loss.  Read the article below.

http://www.msnsportsnet.com/page.cfm?sport=baseball&story=16074

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2008 Courtland grad. Mickey Tichenor continued his success at Virginia Intermont College in their series over the weekend.  Check out the article below.

http://www.viathletics.com/article/31.php

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Senior Infielder, Nathan Balog put up a strong show at the AA State Wrestling Tournament this past weekend at the Salem Civic Center.  "We are proud to have Nathan as a member of the Cougar baseball family.  His athleticism and work-ethic make him a valuable member of the baseball program, but his character and his make-up make him a valuable representative of our institution," Head Coach Tim Acors said.  Good job, Nathan! 

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