Titan baseball season to get underway

After claiming the State B Championship title last season with a 20-5 record, the Tea Area High School baseball team is looking to pick up where they left off as the spring season is ready to get underway.

Rob Schramm looks to take the helm this season serving the as varsity coach for the first time. Schramm previously coached the Senior Legion Team, 16U VFW, 14U VFW, and 12U VFW teams. He will be assisted this season by Rick Willemssen, Chris Vasecka, Kevin Prussman, and Trever Kneitel. Besides a new face at the head coaching position, the Titans will also see some new faces in their opponents, as they compete in Class A this year. 

“Our main goal is to return to the State Tournament, but this year in Class A. We have the talent,” said Schramm. “With a couple things going our way, I don’t see why we wouldn’t be there at the end.”

Despite losing some top talent last season which included Nate Babb, Logan Boom, Matt Halbur, and Dawson Barthel who graduated last spring, the team returns three-year starters Clayton Schwebach, Ethan Vis, and Mason Schramm. They also return two year starters Boston Willemssen, Nathan Christensen, Carter Turek, and Sam Werdel. 

“We bring experience, defense and pitching speed,” said Schramm who is also looking for the team to be able to put the ball in play offensively.

He looks at Harrisburg and the Sioux Falls Schools as top condensers in the area. 

A complete roster includes Seniors: Boston Willemssen, Carter Turek, Clayton Schwebach, Mason Schramm, Ethan Vis, Gavin Johnson, Nathan Christensen, Teagan Dedula, Tim Halbur, Dylan Larsen; Juniors: Sam Werdel, Ben Vasecka, Cole McKinney, Jake Lindgren; Sohpmore Daschle Lowery; and Freshman: Ethan Knettel, Landyn Johnson, Tyson Gilbert, and Bryson Prussman. 

Schramm noted that most of the underclassman will participate on either a JV team or Freshman/Sophomore team, stating “At those levels, reps and game situations are the most important things”. 

The Titans are scheduled to begin their season on Apr. 2 at home against Harrisburg, beginning at 5 p.m.