NEW GLARUS — The Glarner Knights had a successful Capitol South season a year ago, including having the conference player of the year roaming the outfield. That player, Cooper Dreyfus, has graduated, as did four other starters — three of which were all-conference themselves.

Back this year are six key players, plus two newcomers that could help the Knights surprise some other Capitol South teams.

Seniors returning include Cale Weeden at catcher, Eli Zimmerman (P/IF), Brennan Butler (IF), junior Easton Dreyfus (OF) and sophomores Brett Warrell (P/IF) and Leyton Mihlbauer (Util). Warrell had a 1.95 ERA in 14 innings of work in 2021, while Zimmerman struck out 32 batters in 22 innings. Mihlbauer hit .414.

Junior utility Ethan Friedrich and freshman Swiss Army Knife Patrick Alt join the varsity. Alt can play catcher, pitcher and infield.

“We expect to compete, grow and surprise some people,” coach Chris Rear said. Now seven years deep in charge of the program, Rear said this year’s squad has the ability to play hard and learn, which should be a strength.

While there is top-end talent on the mound and at the dish, the depth lacks, which leaves room for improvement.

Rear picked Cambridge and Belleville as the teams most likely to finish atop the conference standings. 

“Both schools return quite a few starters and the best pitching in the league,” Rear said.