by Andy Smith
West Islip Lions head coach Shawn Rush is no stranger to winning. He is now entering his 14th season as the head coach, Rush has seen it all during his long and successful tenure. Rush led West Islip to County Titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018. The Lions finished with a 15-8 overall record, 14-4 in league play and earned the title of League IV Champions.
This upcoming season, however, West Islip will be without many key contributors from last year. “A senior heavy group” was a major component of last season’s squad, and a big part of their outstanding results in 2022. However, Rush is prepared to lead the next core of Lions to success.
West Islip LHP Jake Rivera strands the bases loaded in the third, no score pic.twitter.com/rjtGjdCISQ
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 18, 2021
Four graduating seniors are currently playing college baseball. Pitchers Connor Villano and Jake Rivera, (who can also play the outfield), play at SUNY Brockport and FDU Florham, respectively. In addition, Matt Sandoval and Frank Rega are at SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Purchase.
These are major losses for the Lions, but Coach Rush has seen this before and is prepared to lead this next generation of players. “We need to fill all three rotation spots, catcher, third base and shortstop as well as two outfield positions.”
Coach Rush highlighted one returning player, catcher Thomas McElwee. McElwee, an Albany commit, is “one of the most cerebral and determined players I have come across in my career.”
Two players who, according to Rush, made starts in the 2021 Conference Championship, will also play major roles. Three year varsity player Frank Romano, a first base commit to Queens College, will be tasked to play both the infield, outfield and make appearances on the mound for the Lions. “Natural leader” Vincent Grieco has been the starting center fielder the past two seasons and will be called upon to take that position again to be the leader for the Lions.
One position of note to Rush is the current state of the rotation. “Our entire rotation graduated last season. Two of the three starters, Villano and Rivera, are pitching in college, and Sandoval was our third starter, and now he’s a catcher in college.”
Rush continued, “We don’t have any current players who have started a league game. However, as a coaching staff, we feel our depth on the mound this season is our strength.”
Certain returning players will be given the opportunity to make their case on the mound. Calvin Adam, who made his varsity debut last season as a sophomore, should see opportunities to make appearances on the mound throughout the season.
Uncommitted Calvin Adam (West Islip 2023) sitting 81 mph pic.twitter.com/YRBlPbsH6z
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) November 6, 2022
In addition, SUNY Cobleskill commit Alex Burciaga “should fill a spot in the rotation.” Burciaga made eight relief appearances last season, and Evan Byrnes was called up to the varsity squad for the postseason run. Another name to note is Saint John the Baptist transfer, Chris Lospinuso, who will be given an opportunity to make the rotation as well.
“Those four will compete for major innings along with Frank Romano who didn’t pitch last year due to arm problems”, Rush said.
Rush reflected on the emotions he has going into the season. “There’s a lot of excitement going into the season. Our players have been working hard to have an opportunity to defend our league title. With that being said, there are a number of challenges in our league with some very quality teams from top to bottom and very talented players.”
“The game we have circled on our calendar is game 1 against Huntington. It’s been a long offseason where our team has worked extremely hard and they are ready to leave their mark on our program’s history.”
