BLANCHARDVILLE — The Vikings are hoping to repeat much of their success from 2021. A year ago, Pecatonica went 15-6 overall and won the Six Rivers East with an unblemished mark in seven games.
Just one key starter was lost to graduation, though he was a big one: Catcher Dakota Doescher, the conference player of the year.
Returning for the Vikings are first-team all-conference players Kegun Brunker (OF), Hunter Enloe (P), Bryce Johnsrud (OF), Coy Ruegsegger (IF), Elijah Knutson (P) and Tyler McKeon (IF). Brunker, a senior, hit .382 with nine steals and 13 RBIs in 2021. As a freshman, Knutson had a .426 batting average with 17 RBIs, plus a 6-3 record on the mound with a 1.12 ERA. McKeon added a .357 average with 18 RBIs in his freshman campaign.
Enloe, now a senior, hit .387 with 10 steals, 18 RBIs and had a 3-1 record with a 1.47 ERA last year. Next year he will suit up for McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
Johnsrud hit a spectacular .478 with 22 RBIs and five steals in his junior season. Ruegsegger, a junior who can also pitch, hit .348 with 17 RBIs. He’ll play for McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois next spring.
Also back is senior outfielder Devon Doran and sophomores Jameson Johnson (IF/P), Carson Kurschner (OF) and Max Steele (C/IF). Sophomore Lukas Rue (OF/P) joins the varsity program this spring.
Head coach Jim Strommen, 42 years strong as the head man at Pecatonica, said this year’s expectations for his team are no different than in years past.
“Compete for conference and a regional championship,” he said.
With eight starters returning, plus good leadership and a group that is passionate about playing, Strommen knows his team has what it takes. However, there are areas that need to be improved between March practice and playing in the postseason in June.
“We need better quality at-bats; consistency from our pitching staff at throwing strikes; and improved defensive play overall,” Strommen said.
Barneveld is a strong program that returns seven starters and lots of experience, which will likely mean the Vikings will have a challenging season ahead to win yet another conference title, Strommen said.
