Calhoun young, talented, experienced

A year ago, youth and talent carried Calhoun to the semifinals of the Nassau Class AA playoffs. Now, the majority of that talent can now add experienced and battle-tested to its resume as the first week of the 2010 season gets underway. Just two seniors are slated to take the field on defense, but that shouldn’t impact the day-to-day performance of the third-seeded Colts as much as last season’s on-field experience.

“A lot of kids got experience,” coach Joe Corea said. “We were ranked seventh and made it to the semifinals. “[The experience] has to help. We’re playing the top 10 teams [in Nassau County] every day, so all the teams are going to be good.”

Despite the loss of senior All-County ace Tyler Thornton for the season due to injury, the Colts are hoping to have a strength in numbers when it comes to the pitching staff. “We might not have a true number one [starter] but who knows,” Corea said of the five other pitchers hoping to claim a spot in the rotation or the bullpen.

Seniors Mike Simon and Jon Mekleburg, along with junior Joey Christopher all saw time on the mound last season, while senior Joe Saladino has made huge strides after an offseason spent honing his pitching skills. Sophomore Frank Trimarca has been elevated after pitching for the JV team. “They all throw the ball pretty hard and we’ll use a couple of pitchers each game [before they’re stretched out for longer outings],” Corea said.

While one half the battery is out, Calhoun’s staff will benefit from the return of junior All-County catcher Jake Thomas, one of two co-captains and a leader by example. “He’s solid behind the plate,” Corea said. “He hits well and throws people out [on the basepaths]. He really is outstanding.”

Christopher and Trimarca are battling for time on the mound and at first base, and their hitting ability makes them an asset on offense as well. Sophomore Zach Goldstein hits the field at second base, while senior Ryan Kass enters his third varsity campaign at shortstop. Sophomore Robbie Rosen has big roles on offense and defense, as he handles the cleanup spot in the lineup and third base.

Sophomore Tom Viverito has cracked the varsity lineup as the left fielder, with Saladino set to run down fly balls in right. The key to the unit may be junior All-Conference center fielder Dan Sullivan, who covers plenty of ground while also anchoring the lineup as the leadoff hitter. “He’s got great speed and is the key to getting us going [at the plate],” Corea said.

Calhoun travels to East Meadow for a 4:45 p.m. start on Friday, then return home Monday to face the Jets at 4:30 p.m.