Kellenberg Fueled by Making History

Sometimes it’s tough to stay motivated when you’ve already reached the mountain top, but according to Kellenberg‘s Head Coach Chris Alfalla, his team is motivated by making school history and becoming the first back-to-back CHSAA league champs.

“These guys are hungry,” said Alfalla. Even though they won last year, they are not satisfied,” he added.

Last year’s squad was dynamic–compiling a record of 19-5– thanks in large part to a phenomenal offensive season by Robert Weissheier (now at Hofstra), who could be tough to replace. Alfalla noted that it will take a team effort to not only replace his level of production but also his leadership ability.

“He was basically an extension of the coaching staff. He was a great team leader,” citing that he was one of the main reasons they won the championship last year.

Fortunately, they will be returning a handful of other impact players from last year including Pittsburgh-commit Chris Cappas. The hard-throwing southpaw was 6-0 with 60 strikeouts in seven starts last year with a 1.31 ERA. He allowed only 19 hits with 16 walks over 42.2 IP.

“He was light-out all year,” said Alfalla. He also noted that Cappas was moved up to the third-spot in the batting order and really made a difference with his ability to drive in runs and play a quality center field. He was called up as a sophomore–which is “extremely rare for Kellenberg” according to Alfalla.

One name to keep in mind is sophomore Jason Diaz. For those who have been following us for a while, know that Diaz is one of the top arms in the northeast region. We ranked him as the No. 10 prospect on Long Island as a ninth grader and that’s when he was throwing 87 MPH. He’s now up to 93 MPH and has given his verbal commitment to the University of Miami. As a freshman, he was 6-0 with a 1.33 ERA over 8 starts on JV. He allowed only 18 hits with 57 strikeouts in 42 IP. In a wood bat league with that velocity, he could easily put together a “Craig Hansen in 2002 season“.

Rounding out the rotation will be returning All-League RHP Andrew Williams. He was 3-1 last year over 24 IP with a 2.62 ERA.

“He really surprised us with how he works,” said Alfalla. “Some kids will come up to me and ask for the keys to the gym to get ice, but he’ll ask me for the keys so he can run on the treadmill. He doesn’t have to run, he just wants to get his work in,” he added.

They will also have the benefit of returning last year’s second base (Jack Delaney), shortstop (Andrew Russell) and third baseman (Tom Paulich). Alfalla noted that returning all three of them is a huge plus for the team.

One of the key X-Factors will be catcher Jonah Katz. Alfalla stated the Colby College-commit will have some big shoes to fill. It will be crucial how he answers the bell on two fronts:

1. Replacing the recently-graduated Robert Weissheier
2. Having to handle one of the most polished pitching staffs in recent history.

They will open up conference play on March 28 against Holy Trinity. Alfalla stated that he is so proud of the group of kids he has, stating “it’s so refreshing to have this group–they are all such good kids, they are involved in the school’s Catholic activities and they are leading by example.”