DARLINGTON — The Redbirds went just 3-15 in 2021 and graduated all-conference senior Cayden Rankin. This year, the team returns a bevy of experience, which could go a long way in moving up in the SWAL standings, though head coach Brad Solberg still sees Mineral Point, Cuba City and Fennimore to remain imbedded in a fight for the top spot in the conference title race.

Back for Darlington include seniors Hunter Hardyman (1B, .265 BA), Braden Davis (SS, .275), Brady Horne (C, .240), Chase Figi and Rawson Meylor. Also back are junior Cayden Burbach (2B), plus sophomores Gage Banfield (P), Reagan Jackson (3B, .310), Tye Crist (OF, .264) and Breylin Goebel (SS, .250).

There are also eight newcomers to varsity that will compete for playing time this spring.

“I expect to be very competitive in every game we play this season,” Solberg said. “We should have good depth. We have over 30 kids out this year, which will give us some options.”

Solberg said that while the game itself can be complex in its intricacies, the challenges the Redbirds face are quite simple.

“It will all come down to pitching and whether we can throw strikes. We averaged 8.1 walks per game last season. Once we get that figured out, everything else will fall into place,” he said.