New coach, new attitude ready for 2013 Cyclones

Whatever happened in the 2012 baseball season is in the past. New head coach Cole Farmer is bringing a new style and attitude to the Cyclones squad and rebuilding a winning mentality in 2013.

Farmer served as assistant coach last season and was hired in fall 2012 to take the helm of a young squad. He played ball at the College of DuPage and Evangel University in addition to coaching Springfield Catholic High School to the final four and working as an instructor at Extra Innings indoor training center. Not only does Farmer intend to emphasize aggressiveness and encourage players to make sound decisions on the field, but he also wants them to adapt a winning mentality and help them get recruited by four-year colleges and universities.

“We need to play hard all the time. In the offseason we’ve taken baseball for granted, and I won’t let that fly. We’re getting the winning mentality back at Moraine Valley. Last year we had more individual goals, not working as much in a team mindset,” Farmer said.

With young players and five transfers, the Cyclones have their work cut out for themselves, but a few guys will help lead the way. Sophomore infielder Mike Habas (Homewood-Flossmoor) has a strong work ethic and is integral to the team camaraderie. With an improved swing, he’ll lead the offensive attack. Sophomore Darin Bach (Louisiana) will be a leader for the infield which includes resilient freshmen Alex Krupa (Oak Lawn) and Brandon Martinez (Sandburg). Freshman outfielder Kenneth Wright (Indiana) is a solid power hitter and a threat on the base path with his speed. Sophomore right-hander Dominick Paolella (Lincoln-Way North) gained 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason and worked hard to join the starting pitching rotation.

“Physically, we are ready to play, but it’ll be a challenge since we haven’t been able to go outside yet,” Farmer said.

Farmer is joined this season by assistant coach Alain Quijano, who coached at Grand View University and Iowa Wesleyan College in addition to pitching professionally, including with the 2008 championship Windy City Thunderbolts.

The Cyclones start the season with a spring training trip to Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, March 10-16, before their first game March 20 against South Suburban College. Their home-opener is March 28 at 2:30 p.m. against Highland Community College.