By Randy Byers

District 23-5A packs a punch with the likes of Elkins, Dulles, Clements, Austin, & Hightower, and oh yes, don't forget the Kempner Cougars.  Two play-off appearances in the past four years and a near miss in 2007 have the Cougars chomping at the bit to get back on the field. Kempner returns seven starters and fourteen lettermen to the 2008 squad including standout players, Kyle Winkler, Creighton Hoke, and Kyle Von Tungeln. Pitching and defense should be strong for the Cougars in 2008 and if they hit the ball, Kempner could be a very salty bunch for oponents to deal with.

Kempner Cougars 

District: 23-5A 

Head Coach: J.D. Sellers 84 - 41 

Assistant coaches: Brain Layton, Wayne Barnes, Jay Elliott, Nick Anderson, and Jerome Muniz 

2007 record: (overall) 18-12   (district) 11-5 

2007 play-offs: The Cougars finished the regulation district play in a three way tie and lossed out to Clements and Hightower for advancement to the State Playoffs 

Graduated starters/Key losses: JB Brown attending University of the Pacific, Tyler Burke, and Jonathan Davis. 

Returning starters & honors/lettermen/others: Kyle Winkler (MVP and 1^st Team Pitcher), John Matula (2^nd Team Pitcher), Creighton Hoke (1^st Team First Base), Kyle Von Tungeln (1^st Team OF), Jordan Fuller (2nd Team OF), Mason Niko (P/C), Chance Williams (P/Utility), Jesse Holiday (P), Sean Bornmuller (DH/OF), Josh Charlez (C), Robert Huff (OF), Josh Kopelman (CR/ OF), Frank Selesky (P/SS/3B/2B), and Cole Popper (OF/2B). 

Newcomers: "There will be a very small window because we have so many players returning. There is possible movement for one or two players to move up."  

From the dugout– “Kempner Baseball has been to the State Playoffs twice out of the last four years. Last year we knocked on the door but fell short. It is time to return and be a threat. I feel that 2008 could be a very special year for Kempner. We are returning 7 starters and a total of 14 returning letterman. I think the key for this year’s team is to play each game like it is their last and take no opponent lightly. If we as a program can obtain and hold a high level of focus and intensity (a business like approach) in practice and in the games, then we can be very successful with no let downs. The other area of importance will be the questions of will we have the pitching staff of 1 or 2 pitchers or will we have the staff of 4 to 5 that can get it done on any day? In my opinion, in our district due to 10 high schools you need at least 3 consistent starters and 2 relievers to make a push for the State Playoffs in 23-5A. I personally think we have what it takes and I expect many players to rise up to the challenge in 2008.”