-:■. .i; •.■■ / ■ "jy-i-r-.y-, '* ' '' "■'"" "'''' ■'.{,f.' 1 9TE©1-LEGE archives ^ vj,.■.’•'..A'*'', n. ' I i, \•' ' > ■> ■., - ■•'. %>'■ 'fh fi- "\-ul'\ " 'V ' ‘] 'i \ ’.■* . '* < ,ii‘i ¥f''\ ''/'"I; I ‘^'V' i\ '■ * *' fi'it /-/ . ,u , ,<-.1 ',,'CoV'V' '*1 ' ^ If! i'. / 1 ^ t/' j > • lOiNBORO STATE OOLLiai I TALENTED NEWCOME_RS VETS_ST4_EN_GTHE^ SCOT_ D I AMOND MEN With the help of a southern trip that will hopefully give Edinboro State dlairond an equal start with the rest of Its competition. Fighting Scot head mentor. Bill LaRosa, Is looking forward to a successful season of baseball competItIon. ”We have better balance than we*ve had In quite a while and we^re a much better defensive club,” commented LaRosa, ”lf our pitching comes through, we should have a real good year,” continued the Scot mentor. With eI even Iettermen forming the nucleus of his team, LaRosa should get plenty of offensive help from a lineup that returns four of his five top sticks. Leading the batting brigade Is sophomore outfielder Jim Sekel along with combin­ ation catcher-first baseman Jeff Ellis, a junior who owns a pair of varsity Sekel stroked at a .476 pace last season while Ellis pounded out a .429 mark. Centerflelder Dennis Runyan and team captain Denny Belcastro are also top timber toters with Identical .333 averages a year ago. Joining the senior duo IS sophomore shortstop Mike Basehart who finished at .500 In his brief stint at the plate. Still on hand to provide veteran services are pitcher Tom VanVolkenburg. catcher Mike RopelewskI and outfielder Don Walker. Expecting to help fill gaps In the lineup are first baseman Tom Klochak, shortstop Bill Evans, third baseman Dave Bruno, outfielder Lee Adams, second baseman Don Stewart and second sacker Mark Fuller. Also on tap are sophomore backstopper Dale Cochran and freshman catcher Tim Cacchlon. A quartet of veteran twlrlers form the core of LaRosa*s pitching staff. Front liners returning to the mound are triple letter winner Bill Buies, sophomore George Pakutz, VanVolkenburg and junior Doug Boyer. Likewise battling for starting nods are sophomores Tim Wheeler and Pat Wallace. All but Buies are right handers. ”EIIIs, Sekel and Runyan will undoubtedly be our tophitters,” revealed LaRosa. ”lf the rest of our guys could bat at least .250, we should be In great shape.” NEED MORE INFORMATION? Edinboro State’s 1976 basebalI guide has been designed to assist members of the press In the coverage of Fighting Scot athletic events. Press releases, photographs and statistics will be made available for your use throughout the season. If additional Information Is desired, please contact the Sports Information Office. Paul Newman, Sports Information Director; Edinboro State College, Edinboro, Pa. 16444; Office phone: (814) 732-2745; Home phone: (814) 734-3735. Guide Editor — Paul Newman Managing Editor — Dennis Belcastro Staff — Patti Loomis and Elaine Dzurko Photography ~ Tom Blevins I • LEAD 1N G-JH E_ESD .BASES A LL_ TEA M - BILL LAROSA EDINBORO STATE COLLEGE BASEBALL COACH - In 1972, Bill LaRosa was named to lead the Edlnboro State*s baseball program as the Fighting Scots* new diamond coach, LaRosa, a Seward, Pa,, native began his baseball career in Johnstown where he played junior league ball as a catcher in 1948 and 1949, As a result of his outstanding play on the diamond, he was chosen to represent Johns­ town in the "AAA** Baseball Assoc­ iation Tournament, While serving for three years with the United States Air Force, he was attached to the Special Services and played on the USAF Championship Baseball Team, He was voted the Most Valuable Player of the European Tourney 'when the team qualified for the World Finals in Denver, Colorado, Upon completion of his mi IItary obIigations in 1953, he signed with the Washington Senator: for a sizable bonus. Starting with Class **B'* ball in the Piedmon' League at Hagerstown, Maryland, he moved up the ladder to **A'* play in Hobbs, New Mexico, Along the , way, he spent stints with the Erie Sailors in Class '*A” compet­ ition at **AA'* at Charlotte, N.C. After deciding to make his home permanently in Erie in 1954, LaRosa took a position with Hayes Manufacturing where he is currently employed as a supervisor. The Scot mentor also serves as a part-time scout for the Major League Baseball Scouting System, x In 1972, Coach LaRosa guided the Fighting Scots to the Pennsylvania State Conference Baseball Championship with a 13-8 record, LaRosa, his wife, Florence, and their children, Billy Joe (20), Raymond (16) and Ralph (13) reside in Erie, 2 VETERANS LEAD TALENTED INFJ.ELDERS 1976 FIGHTING SCOT INFIELD (L-R): Denny Belcastro, Mark Fuller, Bill Evans and Tom VanVolkenburg. Not pictured: Mike Basehart, Dave Bruno, Don Stewart and Tom Klochak. DENNY BELCASTRO - 3B, 5-10, 190 Lbs., Senior, Allquippa, Pa. Captain of this year’s Scot squad, Denny has been a solid fixture at 3rd base since his sophomore year...Among the offensive leaders last season while batting at a .333 cl Ip...Named to the Section 5 All-Star team In 1972 at Allquippa High...His hustling style of play and aggressive bat make him a consistent player..."Bel Is” hit a grand slam home run In his first collegiate time at bat...A speech communications major. MARK FULLER - 2B, 6-1, 185 Lbs., Sophomore, New Florence, Pa. A shortstop converted secondbaseman, Mark appeared In 7 games last Season as a freshman...A good power hitter, but still needs to be more consistent...An AllConference selection In high school at Laurel Valley...A criminology major, Mark appears to have the Inside track on becoming the Scots’ starting secondbaseman. WILLIAM EVANS - SS, 5-11, 170 Lbs., Junior, Pittsburgh, Pa. A starter last year, Billy developed Into a very consistent fleider...Has a fluid motion In the field with a strong and accurate throwing arm...A graduate of St. Marys High School, Billy lettered three times In basketball, while receiving four varsity letters In basebalI...An All-Conference Catholic Class B selection...An English major with a focus In grimlnal justice. 3 1 MORE ON THE INFIELDERS TOM VANVOLKENBURG ~ P/INF, 6-1, 195 Lbs., Senior, Erie, Pa. Recent development of a change-up will help Tom become an effective hurler for the Scots...Saw limited action on the mound last season due to arm problems... Will be In the lineup every day, either pitching or playing the infield...A graduate of Cathedral Prep, Tom collected six letters in baseball and basketball ...Named First Team All-City baseball team in 1972...Majoring in business economics MIKE BASEHART - SS, 6-0, 170 Lbs., Sophomore, Tonawanda, N.Y. Last season, Mike showed excellent range and a good arm in the field...Developed into a very consistent fleider...Led the team in hitting last season when he batted .500 while seeing limited action...Captained the Kenmore East High team in 1971...Has the ability to hit to the opposite field...An outstanding allaround athlete, Mike is the goalie for the ESC hockey team...A geology major. DAVID BRUNO - 3B, 5-10, 155 Lbs., Sophomore, Erie, Pa. A very good defensive ball player, Dave appeared in five games last season as a reserve infieIder...Displays a strong throwing arm...Cited by his teammates at Tech Memorial as Most Valuable Player in 1974...Dave was also named to the AllCity team 3 years In a row, while receiving a Golden Glove award in 1974... Majoring in Geography. DON STEWART - 2B, 5-9, 155 Lbs., Sophomore, Titusville, Pa. Without any high school experience, Don worked hard during the spring to make the team...Possesses a good glove...Has excellent speed and surprising power for his size...Could possibly see plenty of action this season as a pinchrunner ...Donny is a secondary education-social studies major. TOM KLOCHAK - IB, 6-2, 175 Lbs., Freshman, Erie, Pa. A lefthanded hitter with line drive power, Tom has made the transition from high school to college quite easl ly.. .Moves arouTid the first sack very good... Possesses better than average speed...An All-City selection at Academy High, Tom is pitted for reserve duty...Could possibly start at first base when the season opens...Majoring in criminal justice. JOHN AND LARRY’S MINEO’S DEPARTMENT STORE IGA SUPERMARKET DOWNTOWN EDINBORO - Complete line of groceries - U.S. Choice meats and quality produce EDINBORO VILLAGE MALL 734-3211 4 734-3111 A GLANCE AT THE SCOT OUTFIELD PICTURED AT LEFT - 1976 FIGHTING SCOT OUTFIELD (L-R): Don Walker Denny Runyan and Jim Sekel. Not pictured: • Lee Adams* DON WALKER - CF-RF, 6-0, Senior, Wilkinsburg, Pa. 180 Lbs One of the Scots* eieven returning letter winners from a year ago, Don possesses excelien* speed and a good throwing arm which make him a fine defensive outfieIder.•*Prob3bIy will start this season in rightfield... Nicknamed ”Fro” by his teammates Don captained the 1971 baseball team at Wilkinsburg High School. A member of the ESC Wrestling Team, Don is an elementary education major. DENNY RUNYAN - CF, 5-10, 175 Lbs Senior, Springdale, Pa. A consistent performer both offensively and defensively, Denny has been a starter for the Scots the past three seasons... Led the team in stolen bases last year with four while batting .333 with two home runs ancf eight RBI *s...Named 2nd Team All-State Pennsylvania I Con ference Western DI vision .T.A sociojogy-crlmlnaI justice major, Denny enjoys hunting In the off-season. JIM SEKEL - LF, 6-0, 165 Lbs., Sophomore, Cambridge Springs, ^ ATa freshman, Jim provided the Scots with a steady left handed hitter... Sekes led the Scot sluggers last season with a torrid .476 batting average, while nine of twelve games...An excellent leadoff batter...Has exceptional speed...Named to the Alj-County All Star Team in 1974...An accounting major, Jim is also a member of the Fighting. Scots junior varsity basketball team. LEE ADAMS - OF, 5-10, 175 Lbs., Freshman , Penn Hi 11s. Paw Lee possibly could break into the Scots* starting lineup this season...A fine defensive outfielder who has the ability to play a ii three outfield positions...Played for the A11-Section Team...A line drive hitter, Lee Penn Hills High School and was named to also possesses good running ability...A criminal justice major. 5 V THE TEAM BEHIND HOME PLATE MIKE ROPELEWSKi - C/IB, 6-2, 197 Lbs., Sr., Natrona Hts., Pa. An outstanding defensive ball­ player, ”Rope” possesses a strong throwing arm...Splits playing time behind the plate, as well as first base...Was a member of the Highlands High School baseball team which captured the 1971 WPIAL Champ­ ionship. . .Led the team In walks ...A three year letter winner, Mike is a criminal justice major ...An excellent receiver and a good handler of pitchers. MIKE FOLGA - C, 5-9, Sophomore, Erie, Pa. 170 Lbs., A transfer from Mercyhurst College, Mike*s quickness and versatility make him an excel­ lent balIp layer...At Cathedral Prep, "Scooter” was named to the All-City All Star team in 1974 ...A letterman last year at Mercyhurst, Mike will provide the Scots with an experienced receiver next season...A member of the Erie Rugby team ...An accounting/economics major 1976 FIGHTING SCOT CATCHERS (L-R): Mike RopelewsKi, Mike Folga and Jeff Ellis. Not pictured: Del Cochran and Tim Cacchion. JEFF ELLIS - C/DH, 6-2, 195 Lbs., Junior, Erie, Pa. ^ ^ , x xx ; ^ Jeff*s greatest asset is his ability to hit the long ball...Led the Scots In four offensive departments...Hit safely in all of the Scots* twelve games last season...Pounded out a .429 average with one home run and 15 runs batted in...While at Tech Memorial, Jeff waS named Most Valuable Player in his senior year...An All-City selection In 1973^.Named to the 2nd Team All-Pennsylvania Conference as a designated hitter...A liberal arts major. DEL COCHRAN - C, 5-11, 185 Lbs., Sophomore, Girard, Ohio . . . x x 4-t, Del displays an accurate throwing arm which makes him a good defensive backstopper for the Scots...An Al1-Conference Class B selection at Girard High under the tutorship of Felix Carmel la... In the future may also see playing time at third base...Del is a general education major. TIM CACCHION - C, 6-1, 190 Lbs., Freshman, Erie, Pa. One of the newcomers to this year*s team, Tim has the ability to hit the long ball...An economics major, Cacchion played his high school baseball at Academy under Coach Ron Severo...Wi 11 gain valuable experience as a backup catcher for the Fighting bcoTS. 6 QUARTET OF VETERANS RETURN TO THE MOUND 1976 FIGHTING SCOT PITCHERS (Back row, L-R): Brian Gibson, Pat Wallace and Tim Wheeler. Front row: George Pakutz, Doug Boyer and BUI Buies. Not pictured: Russ Kuba and Alan Ashbaugh. DOUG BOYER - P, 5-11, 195 Lbs., Junior, Springdale, Pa. Doug saw action last year as a spot starter and long reliever for the Fighting Scots ••.Possesses a fine fastball with good siIder...Probably the best control pitcher on the staff..iLed the Springdale American Legion team to the 1973 state champion­ ship. . .Captain of the ESC soccer team, Doug Is a secondary education-social studies major, BILL BULES - P, 5-11, 175 Lbs., Senior, Erie, Pa. The only southpaw starter on the Scot squad, Billy becomes stronger as the game progresses...Very effective when he keeps the ball low.,.An excellent all-around athlete. Bill won First Team All-City honors as a pitcher while at Cathedral Prep ...A mathematics major..,BiIly officiates basketball in the off-season. TIM WHEELER - P, 6-5, 200 Lbs., Sophomore, Conneaut, Ohio Tim possesses all the physical tools to become a big winner for the Scots...Lacks experience...Captained Conneaut High School In 1974...A former ESC basketball player...A speech communications major, Tim will see action as a reliever and spot starter this season. 7 "SUCCESS DEPENDS ON OUR PITCHING,” COMMENTS COACH LAROSA GEORGE PAKUTZ - P, 6-1, 185, Sophomore, Lyndora, Pa. Nicknamed "Smoke” because of his overpowering fast ball, George has been tabbed by Coach LaRosa as a starter this season...Has developed a curve and a change which make him an effective pitcher...A dedicated ballplayer, George Is a former Western Pennsylvania Legion All-Star...At Butler High was an All-Conference selection...Majoring In business administration. BRIAN GIBSON - P, 6-3, 185 Lbs., Sophomore, Wllkinsburg, Pa. A transfer from Pitt-Johnstown, Brian Is Ineligible this season but will prove to be an Important addition to the pitching staff next year...Most effective pitches are his fast ball, slider and sinker ball...Voted Most Valuable Player by his teammates at Wllkinsburg High School In 1974...Nicknamed ”Hoot,” Brian is a health and physical education major. PAT WALLACE - P, 6-1, 180 Lbs., Sophomore, Baldwin, Pa. Chip's biggest asset Is his pinpoint contro1... Last season, Pat worked primarily out of the bulI pen...Lettered In baseball and basketball at Baldwin High School ...Pat Is majoring In speech and hearing. ALAN ASHBAUGH - P, 5-10, 165 Lbs., Junior, Vandergrift, Pa. Al Possesses a vast array of off-speed and breaking pitches...Effective against lefthanders with his side-arm motion...Also throws a screwball with success to righthanders...Played his high school baseball at KIskI Area where he captained the squad In 1973...Al Is majoring In geography. Edinboro Travel Service POTS AND PANSIES Complete Travel Service at no cost to you! 120 Erie Street 734-3122 * Airline Reservations and Ticketing * Car Rentals and Hotels * Domestic and lnternationaI Wt M M‘,. v,'*/^ ) XI V.'' >' 4 ^/t / ”r','i'^ll -> /' X,,. H ■ 'V-V'*''! ' >‘*^{5^’ , i p , V '. ( V / / yi I 1**, r y* 1