MONROE — The Cheesemakers went 7-13 overall in 2021, and three of their graduated starters are now playing sports collegiately. However, the Cheesemakers return a good chunk of talent that are hungry to get the program back to its winning ways.

“We have a good mix of experience and young talent that will be asked to compete every day in a very tough Badger Conference,” said head coach Eric Losenegger. “We will be looking to improve on our overall and conference win total from last year and make a deeper run in the playoffs.”

In order to get past the first level of the playoffs, it helps to have an ace. Losenegger thinks his squad has not just one ace, but a pitching staff to keep Monroe in games all year. In fact, the experience and talent up and down the lineup has the coaching staff brightly optimistic this spring.

“We return one of the best pitchers in the conference in Henry Brukwicki, and one of the top hitters in Charles Briggs,” Losenegger said. “Trevor Schmitt is one of the better defensive catchers in the conference and does a great job handling our pitching staff.”

Schmitt will play baseball at Trinity International University, an NAIA school, next year. Meanwhile, Briggs also plans to play in college but is currently undecided on the destination.

“I love our experience and leadership of this team. We have a core group of seniors that play the game the right way and are pushing our younger guys,” Losenegger said. 

Henry Brukwicki (P/OF) had a 3.68 ERA and was second team all-conference a year ago, and hit .294 at the plate. Briggs (IF/P) batted .327 and was also a second-team all-conference selection. Schmitt (C), Brevin Rach (IF/P), Chase Stoerp (P/OF) and junior George Brukwicki (P/IF) are all returning letterwinners. Juniors Keatin Sweeney (IF/P), Tucker Markham (OF/IF), Drew Indergand (OF/P), Nathaniel Baker (IF/OF), Nicholas Welty (C), Braden Rupnow (OF/P) and sophomore Keegan Dahmen (IF/P) are all expected to contribute to the varsity this season.

“We have a very athletic junior class that will need to fill some holes and be asked to contribute right away. We have a large group of guys who played on a very successful state semifinal football team and a state-ranked basketball team. I hope the success of those sports seasons give us some confidence and a desire to compete and get better every day,” Losenegger said.

Upping the win total in the Badger Conference will be tough — and Losenegger knows it.

“We play in one of the best conferences in the state, and there are no gimme games. Each night out will be a challenge,” Losenegger said. “Madison Edgewood is very well coached and always very talented. Mount Horeb returns a large portion of their sectional finals roster from last year. Milton is a really solid program with tons of talent. They will have the No. 1 player in the state, and the No. 25 player nationally for the Class of 2022 — Gavin Kilen.”