Head Coach Arleigh Jorgenson
Even though there are several feet of snow on the ground and more sub-zero weather predicted, the “boys of summer” are busy practicing baseball in the high school gym.
Viking Head Coach Arleigh Jorgenson had 26 young men show up for the first day of practice on March 17. “And we know of at least four who were missing,” Jorgenson said.
Jorgenson said the team has a mix of younger and older players. He said, “There are eight rookies, mostly from the seventh grade but a couple from the eighth grade, put on the leather, stepped onto the floor and looked great.”
Jorgenson has two assistant coaches, Dave Furcht, a former collegiate All- Conference pitcher for St. John’s University and Bob Baker.
“Dave is passionate about the game and dedicated to teaching it. He will coach our pitchers. Bob is stepping forward as a volunteer coach after assisting me last summer with the American Legion team. Bob is taking charge of the catchers. Each day, our catchers and our pitchers will receive top priority, no matter how distracted I might be,” said Jorgenson.
Two seniors, Joe Borud and Charlie Lawler, will lead the way.
“We love seniors,” said Jorgenson. “It is their last varsity sport at CCHS, and it will be their best year of baseball. Historically, baseball was invented to be played by men. These are young men.
“Joe will pitch, play shortstop, and probably bat third. Charlie carries a bat from the left side, and is a steady contact hitter. We aren’t expecting him to pitch, but he worked on it last season, and could be ready to add an arm from the left side.
“We have one junior, Rich Furlong. Rich was the leader of the team during last year’s playoff game against Marshall behind the plate. He played exceptionally well. He has the unique ability to do his best when it matters most. If Rich goes well, we will go well.
“The core of our team is our sophomore class: Owen Anderson, Rory Bakke, Frankie Miller, Sean MacDonell, Jaret Baker, Jack Wieben, Andrew Fenstad-Lashinski, Leo Johnson, Lucas Phillips, and Bubba (Chance) Finke make up the list.
“Where they end up playing is up in the air. It will be determined not so much by who is the best player where, but how we can best put the whole team together. Several of these guys can play several positions. We do know that Owen Anderson has a lock on centerfield, and Jaret Baker will start at firstbase. Frankie, Rory, Leo, Sean, and Andrew will pitch. Our second baseman and back-up shortstop and third-basemen will likely come out of this group, and others will compete strongly for the corner outfield positions.
“Our eighth grade and freshman class are returning three players from the experience of last summer’s American Legion team; Beckley Rumph, Bradley Wilson, and Colton Furlong. They played well last summer, and will contribute to our varsity play.
“Returning from our last year’s junior varsity are Jacob Bilben, Erik Lawler, and Billy Hackett,” said Jorgenson.
The conference is tough, with last year’s section champions the Floodwood Polar Bears looking strong again, as do 2-A schools Esko, Two Harbors and Moose Lake.
“In the section, we think Ely will be especially strong this season. We have our work cut out for us, but we are liking what we see, both physically and mentally, from this group,” said Jorgenson.
The Vikings are scheduled to play a scrimmage against St. John’s Prep in St. Joseph on Saturday, March 29. The team’s first Polar League game is scheduled against McGregor at McGregor on April 8.
“We open our season at home against Moose Lake on April 10. We hope we can play our full schedule of 15 games before playoffs in late May,” Jorgensen said, noting that the snow may still be here and force some make-up games.
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