With weather that has been anything but promising for baseball, the Warriors are eyeing the calendar as their season opener, April 7, nears. This is a non‑conference tilt against Oak Park and will be played away.

West is the defending champion of the Interim conference, ending with an 8‑1‑1 league record last season.

Right now pitching is the main worry of head coach Al Carstens and assistant Gaston Freeman. Pitchers Chip Allen, Jim Dehlin, Dave Larsen, Bob Lorentz, Dick McGough, Bob Pawlowski, Ed Schwenke, and Tom Risko will be called upon to hurl the games.

Coach Carstens revealed that although the team has some experienced players and good speed, the success of the season will depend largely upon the pitchers. Two or three "stoppers" still need to be found.

High school baseball is 80 percent defense," he said, "most of which is pitching." "However," he added, "chances for a third straight title look good."

Doubleheaders

The inauguration of Saturday doubleheaders will put a further strain on the pitching staff. Of the 16 conference games, (two against each team in the league), 10 will be twin bills. The Warriors have an 18‑game schedule, with two non‑conference contests.

Teams from Glenbrook, Prospect, Proviso West Morton West, Willowbrook, and Niles West are expected to give the Warriors plenty of competition.

After four weeks of hard workouts, the original 32 members have been cut to 22. Of these, eight are returning lettermen; Chip Allen, Gene Ciezadio, Dan Humay, juniors; and Butch Bending, Dave Larsen, Bob Lorentz, Gene Sieb, and Rick Warnicke, seniors.

Other veterans are Al Waters, Ray Boyd, and Henry Schure working at first base; Bob Currer and Don Seagren at second; Warren Baird, shortstop; and Al Gundelach at third. Returnees in the outfield also include Rick DeKreek, Gary Kraft, and Gary Wilson. Helping behind the plate will be Dave Kern, and Tom Wennstrom.