GAMES
RANKINGS
Concordia Lutheran's Alex Petrovic
SCARY GOOD: Concordia Lutheran looking unstoppable
2022-23 Concordia Lutheran BaseballJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
Concordia’s recent history, particularly the distinction of reaching seven TAPPS Final-Four appearances since 2014 including a State Championship (2015), speaks for itself.
Head coach Royce Kennedy has continued that legacy, having coached the team for the last three years.
“Concordia has a great group of young men,” said Kennedy. “They’re very tight-knit which means they have a lot of fun. The team’s competitive spirit has helped us do what we’ve been doing. They win for each other which is pretty exciting to watch.”
Kennedy has been blessed with proficient athletes during his tenure. This year is no different.
Concordia Lutheran's Nolan TraegerJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
It’s no secret who Concordia’s stars are. Anyone on the batting order can go off on any given night, whether it be junior catcher Nolan Traeger (TCU-commit), senior outfielders - Zac Daigre, and Michael Herndon (Baylor-signee) - or freshman IF Ronin McCraw (Texas A&M-commit)
Concordia Lutheran's Michael HerndonJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
The same goes for the Crusaders' bullpen.
With a group of aces in senior RHP Alex Petrovic (Auburn-signee), junior RHP Eoghan Collins, who has yet to allow a run through 29 innings pitched, junior RHP/SS John D. Mitchell II (USAFA-commit), and sophomore RHP/1B Connor Jones, just to name a few, it’s no surprise that the Crusaders have been so dominant.
Concordia's Eoghan Collins Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
According to Kennedy, one star, on his loaded roster, who has particularly enjoyed a breakout performance on the plate, throughout the first half of the season, has been sophomore INF/RHP Cole Lanclos.
Concordia's Cole LanclosPhoto provided by @ColeLanclos12
“Since we moved him [Lanclos] up to the leadoff spot in the lineup he’s done an outstanding job,” he said. “He’s been setting up the table for us and getting on base, so we can keep up the scoring threat with our follow-up batters.”
CLHS is coming off a 2021-22 season that saw them earn a TAPPS-D1 District Title, and they will see to it that nothing changes, with district play about to begin.
Concordia's Ronin McCrawJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
However, despite their phenomenal record, Concordia remains adamant about staying focused.
“Every game, our mentality is that we're 0-0," Kennedy said. "We don't talk about what our real record is. We say "we're 0-0, let's be 1-0 at the end of the day'. The kids are constantly thinking that and that's what we're staying with."
Furthermore, last year featured a Concordia team that would advance to the TAPPS State Semifinals. Their ultimate goal of taking home the State Championship was cut short by Central Catholic (4-2).
Concordia's John D. Mitchell IIPhoto taken by Shantae Smith
But, with the momentum this team is gaining, things might just play out differently this time around.
“Being the 'hunted' doesn't phase us, it's just another day to the team," said Kennedy. "We just act like it's no big deal, since last year we had a 15-game win streak and it didn't matter because we didn't win the last game of the year. That's what really matters. We're looking to win that last game."
Concordia Lutheran looks even more dangerous with each passing week. Stay tuned.
Concordia RHP/SS John D. Mitchell during his visit to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado
LATE BLOOMER: Mitchell boosts at right time for Concordia, USAFA
“For me, pitching has been a process of frustrations and successes,” said Mitchell. “After two years of trial and error, weight training, and discovering how to optimize my biomechanics, I’ve been sitting around 90 to 91 mph, since January.”
Concordia Lutheran's John D. MitchellPhoto taken by Shantae Smith
Last season, Mitchell was instrumental on the mound, for the Crusaders, which is impressive, considering he first started playing baseball in November of 2018. He will look to continue executing when the regular season commences, in February.
“I hope to be a great teammate and an elite player on a championship team,” he said. “Individually, I strive to influence the younger guys in a positive manner, and I’m working to bring my fastball velocity up to 94 mph. As a team, we want to leave the field, each day, knowing we gave all we had, with no regrets. We’re among the favorites and are hungry for the State Championship.”
In order for the junior pitcher to acquire an impressive skill-set, at such an early age, Mitchell has had some expertise on his side, which includes, his mentor, Chicago Cubs RHP Hayden Wesneski, as well as Premier Baseball coaches, Dave Evans and Jeremy Isenhower.
“It’s been inspiring to work with someone like him [Wesneski],” Mitchell said. “I spent a couple of hours with Hayden, each Sunday, from September 2020 to March 2021. He shared his experiences and what he was learning from Dave [Evans] and the Yankees. I still keep in touch with him. Like having an older brother, each time he has a great outing or I reach a new PR, he’s always kind enough to reply. He’s never ‘big-leagued’ anyone, and always has some insightful words of encouragement. I’m working to be like him, to be a late bloomer that makes it to THE SHOW.”
With this level of training, and playing for a top Texas private school like Concordia, it should come as no surprise that Mitchell has already committed to an NCAA D1 team, the US Air Force Falcons.
Mitchell with USAFA HC Mike Kazlausky and Pitching Coach Ryan Forrest at the Falcons' practice facility
“The main thing that made me fall in love with USAFA was the fact that I could be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Mitchell. “The experience is incomparable. Once I understood it, I wanted it. In September 2022, when Coach Forrest called and offered me a “2024 Blue Chip”, with the opportunity to develop into a leader for USAF, it brought tears of joy to my and my family’s eyes. Since they [my parents] are the most influential people in my life, I embroidered their initials and birth year on my custom pitcher’s glove as a tribute to all they have done for me. It’s been amazing having them alongside me, every step of the way.”
Anticipate a stellar year from this young Concordia pitcher. He and the Crusaders are vying for the top spot, with some trophy case hardware, to boot.