Returning starters include seniors Kellen Stenstrom (IF), Leighton Buckmeier (OF), Ethan Gronwold (UT, P) and Griffin Babolian (OF), and juniors Logan Larson (IF, P), Carston Fronning (IF, P) and Isaac Ellison (P).  Other returning letter winners are seniors Sammy Holmes, Jr. and Eli Tollerson, and juniors Alex Ellison (IF, P), Levi King (IF, P) and Brock Scheuerman (C).

“Offensively, we bring a lot of experience to the plate from guys who had solid spring and summer seasons last year,” added Coach Thielke.  “We know we have guys who can play baseball, the key will be finding the right combination of players and piecing together the best lineup on any given day.  Learning from last year, we need to be solid defensively and provide run support for our pitchers.  We play a very tough schedule and we will use the early part of the season to establish our rotation and lineup as we prepare for the post season.”

Thielke continued, “Most of our returners have some varsity experience.  We expect Levi King and Brock Scheuerman to play key roles this season after serving as reserves last year.  Junior Henry Bethel returns to baseball after taking a few years off and he could have an immediate impact both defensively and as a pitcher.  Sophomore Hunter Powers (IF, P, DH) could find himself in a key role as a DH and a pitcher, also filling in as a corner infielder when opportunities arise.  There is a lot to be determined as we get going.”

Thielke sees Little Falls, Alexandria and Rocori as the top teams in Section 8AAA, while Sartell, Alexandria and Rocori are the teams to beat in the tough Central Lakes Conference.  He is quick to add, “St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Willmar and Brainerd are definitely no slouches when it comes to quality baseball programs.”

The Otters have 3 former players now playing at the college level with Carter Thielke and Owen Krueger at Concordia College in Moorhead and Andrew Johnson at Northwestern in the Twin Cities.