New coach wants to develop skills

By Holly Neumann

There will be a new face in the dugout this spring for Manawa’s baseball team.

Casey Fields replaces Carey Celske as the team’s coach and brings 10 years of coaching experience, including three at the high school level.

“This is my first year coaching at Manawa,” he said. “My focus is on developing the fundamental skills needed for team success. I look forward to the competition and continual growth of our players. I enjoy teaching the game of baseball and providing a positive influence for the student-athletes.”

The Wolves have to replace all-conference players Luke Wilz, Camden Moser and John Holtz.

Returning players include Billy Murphy, Nathan Reynolds and Austin Kitowski.

“We have a good young catcher in Nathan Reynolds who understands the game of baseball and has a strong arm,” Fields said. “Billy Murphy will bring leadership to the team and is mentally and physically strong, while Austin is athletic, energetic and motivated.”

Eli Yoder gets in front of the ball while working out with the Manawa baseball team. Holly Neumann Photo

The Wolves’ roster also includes Nate Newton, Kenny Reynolds, Jared Buschke, Eli Yoder, Cade Poppy, Chase Furman, Travis Dailey and Zach Kreklow.

Fields’ goals include developing depth at the pitcher position and creating a winning and competitive environment.

“We will focus on winning the day and take away something we can learn from every practice and game,” he said.

He believes Pacelli is a favorite to win the Central Wisconsin 8 Conference, which also includes Iola-Scandinavia, Weyauwega-Fremont, Amherst, Bonduel, Wittenberg-Birnamwood and Shiocton.

The Wolves are scheduled to open the season Thursday, March 30, against Gillett/Suring in Gillett before opening CWC-8 play at Lindsay Field at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 3, against Bonduel.

“We will need to play fundamentally sound and at our best to compete with all teams,” he said. “If we can limit errors and don’t give away outs, I believe we can stay competitive.”

Manawa 2017 Baseball Schedule

Varsity
Thursday, March 30 – vs. Gillett/Suring at Gillett, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, April 3 – vs. Bonduel, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 4 – vs. Wild Rose, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 11 – at Shiocton, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 18 – at Weyauwega-Fremont, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 20 – at Amherst, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, April 24 – vs. Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25 – at Iola-Scandinavia, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 27 – at Bonduel, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 1 – vs. Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2 – vs. Shiocton, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 4 – vs. Iola-Scandinavia, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 8 – vs. Weyauwega-Fremont, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 11 – vs. Amherst, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 15 – at Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 22 – at Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.