Kyle Rodenkirk takes the helm at Jefferson as head coach at his alma mater. He replaces Mike Kuba, who has moved over to the softball program as an assistant coach at Jefferson.

Rodenkirk inherits a team that finished 15-21 in 2012 and graduated many of its top performers.

Gone is Chance Tiedke, who led the team with 53 hits, 34 RBIs and a .445 average. Also lost to graduation are Jordan Dee and Dylan Jellison, who were critical pieces to the J-Hawk offense.

Colten Jourdan, Austin Goodell, Dee and Tiedke combined for 26 starts on the mound, resulting in 11 of their 15 wins.

Despite the losses, Rodenkirk is fervent about the chances for his 2013 J-Hawks.

“Our strength is that we have a tight-knit group with great chemistry and they show a lot of enthusiasm. That’s something you like to see in a team," he said. "Their work ethic has helped them become fundamentally sound.”

Dylan Wright, Layne Sullivan and Ky Kramer, along with Clay Scott, Ben Koering and young Spencer Van Scoyoc, are expected to be the nucleus for this year’s team to build around.

Outfielders Wright (.309) and Sullivan (.306) are projected as leaders of the offense and will be joined in the outfield by Van Scoyoc, Nate Karlan and possibly utility player Koering.

Shortstop Kramer will solidify an infield that could include Spencer Hunt, Derek Brimmer, Drew Johnson, Lucas Larson and possibly Koering. Hunt and Marcus Colbert are seen as potential catchers.

Lefthander Wright (2-1) leads a mound staff that returns Kramer, Van Scoyoc and Scott, who combined for 13 starts last season. Rodenkirk also sees Larson and Brimmer as important contributors to his pitching staff.

“Our biggest challenge will be our lack of experience,” said Rodenkirk. “Pitching is always a question for every team, but we have the potential to get the job done.

"Jefferson has an excellent facility with our new scoreboard, I have a great coaching staff with lots of experience, and we have a great group of kids. Really, that’s all you can ask for. I think it will be a good and competitive season.”

Rodenkirk’s squad will have to deal with the experience issue, but the renewed enthusiasm and a veteran coaching staff will have Jefferson ready to play. As the season progresses, so will Jefferson.

They could have more wins at the end of this summer than they did in 2012, and no one will be interested in playing them in the tournament.