The 13u Cougars open winter workouts in January at their new winter home, Eich's in Plainfield, IL. The Cougars return 10 players from the 2009 campaign having to add only one new player. That is a far contrast from the 2009 season in which the Cougars turned over their roster and coaching staff. The Cougars made great strides in '09 having nearly triple the win total of '08. During the transitional season the Cougars showed much promise that carried over into the fall.  

The 2009 Cougars were explosive offensively. All of the top offensive performers return with the winter focus being centered on CONSISTENCY!  Leadoff man Davis Purviance is back after hitting .408, 69 hits, 63 runs scored and 57 stolen bases. Taylor O'Donnell led the team with 61 rbi and a .417 average. "T" added 41 stolen bases and 66 hits. Jake Gluszek hit .408, Mike Pratl .401 and Matt Maza .350. Gluszek added 60 hits, 57 rbi and 7 triples. Pratl added 63 hits 16 doubles and 43 stolen bases while Maza chipped in w/50 rbi and 55 hits! Big bopper Nick Bratcher adjusting to travel level pitching after coming to the Cougars right out of Rec ball added 48 rbi, 48 hits, 14 doubles and "miles of long balls". Ryan McDermott added 45 hits and 46 runs scored from the #2 hole will moving runners nicely throughout the season! Jeff Schoenhofen battling injury most of the season hit .316 with 31 hits. Despite a leg injury Jeff had 19 stolen bases, his speed was sorely missed in 2009! Connor Murphy led the team w/36 walks and was one of the Cougars most aggressive base runners while Brendan Treacy had 23 rbi and added 16 stolen bases in his first Cougar season as he showed signs of being able to do so much more in 2010!

Defensively the Cougars will be deep behind the plate and up the middle which sets the tone for the entire defense. New addition Billy Krawczyk will add depth all over the diamond. His work ethic alone will provide leadership. The pitching staff is deep and gained valuable game experience in 2009 which bodes well for the long grueling 2010 season. 

2009 was a tansitional season for the Cougars. This group should hit the ground running in 2010!