Skyline looks to better 2004 season

Judging by the preseason polls, it only seems like it's a matter of time. The Trojans are currently ranked No. 7 in Northern California and No. 12 in the state - and with good reason. They return their entire infield, including preseason All-American catcher Chris Dubon. First baseman Dan Hernandez, second baseman Andy Worthington, shortstop Steve Dorst and third baseman Robert Hitchens helped key Skyline's run last year with tremendous defense, an ingredient that was missing in previous years. The outfield consists of Capuchino graduate Nick Victor in left, College of San Mateo transfer Laurence Ng in center and Justin Granato of Burlingame in right.

Other key position players include Eric Mull, Tyler Rhoton, Manny Vargas, Gaylan Komo and Brian Lloyd. Hernandez possesses as much power as anyone in the league, and Dubon is one of the most complete players to come through Skyline in recent memory. Worthington, Dorst and Hitchens seemingly come up big when it counts the most. The outfield trio of Ng, Victor and Granato complement each other with strong arms and good instincts. One thing Skyline doesn't have is much speed, but in college baseball, where powerful aluminum bats can turn even a weak, slap-happy infielder into a bona-fide slugger, speed is less of an issue.

"This could be the best lineup I've ever had here," Nomicos said. "We have five guys capable of hitting 10 home runs or more. They can hit for average, power and display patience at the plate."

The Trojans were dealt a huge blow when ace Al Orozco of Serra was lost for the season after having surgery on his right elbow. However, Skyline has talented left-hander Carlos Alveranga on the mound for the season-opener. After battling academic problems in four turbulent years at Capuchino, Alveranga will be counted on to lead Skyline to the promised land.

"He's got great command and can throw four pitches for strikes," Nomicos said. "He's really turned it around and matured and he's obviously a big part of our team."

All-conference returner Chris Galarza, who went 5-1 last year, is as dependable a starter as they come, while Matt Madigan of Carlmont is currently penciled in as the No. 3 starter. Mike Rogers, Danny Orlik, Jay Schelstrate, Chris Regnat and CSM-transfer Tony Brunicardi of Burlingame round out a pitching staff that has the potential to be one of the best in the Coast Conference.

Skyline plays a home doubleheader on Saturday against Barstow starting at 11 a.m., and hosts its own tournament on the weekends of Feb. 18 and 26. The Trojans also had their outfield grass replaced by FieldTurf. That renovation came a year after an overhaul of its facilities, in which stadium style seats were added.

If you haven't noticed it by now, the Skyline baseball program is enjoying quite a renaissance, and it only promises to get better. On the west side of campus, there's a vista point overlooking the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, there are sparkling views of nature at its finest. It's a place that seems to capture the state of Skyline baseball, a place where the future seems limitless.

"I feel really good about where we're headed," Nomicos said. "Other than (Henry) Wrigley, we got most of the local talent we wanted. And we've been getting players since Anthony Granato (now in the Chicago Cubs Class-A affiliate) arrived here. That was kind of the turning point. Once a great player like Anthony came here, it opened up doors for others to come as well."