Two years ago the EHS baseball team found themselves at Joliet Route 66 stadium, competing for a state title. And this year, they hope to return.

“We are trying to take home that ring,” senior outfielder Aaron Young said. “And you can quote me on that. We have a lot of talent.”

The Tigers are returning six starters including seniors Jack Cooper, Josh Ohl, Blake Burris, Joe Copeland, Dalton Wallace and junior Drake Westcott.

Last year Edwardsville lost in the regional final to O’Fallon in a roller coaster extra inning game and finished the season with a record of 26-10.

“Just when I thought we had the game 1 they took it back,” senior shortstop Josh Ohl said. “This year with a lot of familiar faces returning, we hope to make a push to get back to Joliet.”

Edwardsville features Louisville commit Drake Westcott, who is one of the best players in the area. Last year Westcott had a team leading .510 batting average, seven home runs and 34 RBIs.

“To match last year’s performance I need to take better at bats and try not to chase pitches out of the zone,” Westcott said. “When I get my pitch I can’t miss it.”

The pitching staff is going to be a big strength for the Tigers this year, and coach Michael Sabatino has replaced Mike Waldo as pitching coach.

“I hope to continue the tradition of coach Waldo and help with the winning culture,” Sabatino said. “We have a new throwing program in place so guys are still getting used to it.”

Sabatino added that the pitching staff is deep with seniors who have had past experience at the varsity level.

“We got a lot of arms,” he said. “A lot of seniors are going to be leaders throughout the season.”

The season will kick off on March 14 at GCS Ballpark against Mt. Carmel.