With a slew of newcomers, talented returners and a new field, the Cyclones are ready for a solid and successful full season.

This spring, the Cyclones are looking for consistency and are happy to use their new baseball diamond, completed in mid-April 2021. Last year, they had a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finishing 17-19 overall. While a few starters moved on to four-year colleges and universities, a number of skilled athletes are returning in 2022.

Sophomore Anthony Cappelletti (Romeoville) is back after being the top hitter last year with a .374 average. Infielders Maximus Bullock (Morgan Park) and Thomas Carlson (Peotone) also are back and expected to make an impact on the team. Pitchers Ryan Grand (Tinley Park), Jace McWilliams (Lincoln-Way West), Gavin Quinlan (Shepard) and Daniel Rosado (Reavis) have been working hard in the offseason and will be ready to go.

The newcomers include a mix of freshmen and transfers. Robert Warchol (Richards) will help at the plate as will Winston Hill II (St. Rita), an outfield transfer from Eastern Kentucky University. Samuel Rogers (Evergreen Park) is a new, solid catcher for the team. Robert Otero (Lakeview) will make an impact on the infield, and Tim Roe (Stagg) will help on the mound.

They also have the strongest staff in Head Coach Hugh Dennehy's sixth season leading the program. And he's excited for what they'll put together.

So far, everyone is doing the work, hitting practice hard and buying into the coaching and overall plan. They just need to continue getting stronger and staying healthy, the latter always being a challenge when they play so many games.

The Cyclones have a tough road ahead as six teams in the region are ranked among the top 20 teams in the country. But Dennehy is confident his talented crew competing a full season on a refined, new baseball home field will be a big factor.

"I want to compete for conference every year. I want us to play the best ball and get to the region finals, which we did three years ago. But there are so many loaded teams. It's hard," Dennehy said. "Our guys are working very hard, and we've got talent. This team comes to work. It's the most advanced players we've had. We have a lot of polished players on the team and a good vibe."

Dennehy will be joined again by Assistant Coach Seth Webb and incoming assistant pitching coach Ryan O'Reilly.