ITG Next spoke with Pensacola Catholic baseball coach Seth Currie about the upcoming 2022 season, replacing an MLB Draft pick, and the Crusaders returning team.
Q: With the 2022 season beginning in the coming weeks, what are some of your thoughts entering the year on what should be another strong Crusaders team, and how does this team compare to previous years?
A: Obviously we are excited for another great year, and as with every year, our goal is to compete for a state championship. This team has the potential to be very special. This group of seniors is the first that I have coached for four years. I am excited to see their hard work pay off. As a whole we are very talented, but all that means is we haven’t done it yet.
Q: Your team will have to replace a 2021 third round pick in Jordan McCants this season, as well as a few others. Can you talk a bit about the impact McCants and last year’s senior class had on this Pensacola Catholic program?
A: Jordan was a very special player and had a huge impact on our program as a whole. His leadership was exceptional program wide. Obviously he will be missed because he had a huge part in developing the younger group of infielders and leaders. The senior group from last year took big strides to help our program get to where we are starting the season this year.
Q: You return multiple key contributors from a year ago in both the lineup and rotation. How do you feel that returning experience will benefit this Crusaders team in 2022?
A: Our youth last year we hope will shine this year. We have a line up packed with young talent. We try to make ourselves as strong as possible up the middle starting with junior catcher Will Barter (Tulane commit), then sophomore second baseman Chris Rembert (Auburn commit), senior Carter McCulley (Pensacola State commit) at shortstop, and finally junior center fielder Michael Smith Jr. who will also play at the next level. On the mound we have a group of arms that will compete with the best in the country returning junior Will Krehely and sophomore Jackson Kohr aim to have breakout years. As well as senior leader Drayton Cunningham and JT Keller. We will also have four year starter Jackson Hyatt (Pensacola State commit) with a big bat in the lineup, as well as playing multiple positions around the infield and on the mound.
Q: Who are a few players that you feel will take a big jump this season compared to a year ago?
A: I am expecting big things from junior utility players Zack DeJesus and Will Krehely. They have the potential to turn a lot of heads this year. Returning outfielder Reid Majewski has a chance to make a name for himself coming off injury from last year.
