It fianllay happened! The Central Penn League and the Susquahanna Valley All-Stars faced off in a game highlighting each league's talent at the Shaner complex in State College. The game was won by our CPL All-Stars in a very close one run game.
Joe Miller and Liel Karstetter where invited to play in the prestigous game representing the 2005 Wildcats. Liel was out of town and unable to play in the game. Unfortunately, due to a shoulder injury, Joe was unable to play, but he supported his fellow league all-stars by being in the dug-out. Joe truly has a passion for this game!
The game was a success for numerous reasons.
(1) Dreams of playing finally became a reality.
(2) This game will jump start future all-star games.
(3) Player exposure.
(4) Being able to participate on a team made of your league's top players.
We thank all of the 2005 participants for playing in this game.

State College, PA - The PHSBCA (Pennsylvania High School Baseball Coaches Association) met for their annual clinic held at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in State College. All areas of the state were represented at this very informative and productive gathering.
The speakers in attendance were Joe Folek, Joe Kinney, Harry Hilson, Mike Collins, and Brian Merk.
Coach Joe Folek is the head coach of Division III Wilkes University and spoke on how to utilize your indoor facility for pre-season practices.
Coach Joe Kinney is the head coach of Division I Lafayette University. Coach Kinney spoke about the importance of having a solid defense. He showed how his team goes through a series of progression drills in throwing, fielding, and receiving. Coach Kinney stressed the importace of having players make the most of their time on the field practicing every skill from a defensive stand-point with a mental focus so that when faced with the skill in a game, the player's reaction is automatic.
Coach Harry Hilson is the head coach at Division II Mansfield University where our very own Jason Zinck is playing. Coach Hilson talked about how he teaches hitting. He takes a ballanced approach to hitting where you need to be in good balance and control in order to hit with a consistent average. He talks about the stance, the stride/load, the lower half starting the swing keeping the hands back, and then swinging by taking your hands to the ball with the knob first.
Coach Mike Collins is the head coach at Division II Bloomsburg University. He spoke about developing championship catchers. He said some of the best catchers have been converted from SS or 3B because of their ability to be a good receiver.
Brian Merk was the final speaker who played professionally for the Giants organization. He is currently an instructor for the Doyle's camps held nationally. Brian spoke about pitching and the importance of locating pitches. He stressed staying on top of the ball throwing on a downward plane rather than on a side-ways plane. Three key points of pitching, (1) location, (2) movement, and (3) velocity.
The clinicians were very informative. Local high schools in attendance: Central Mountain, State College, Dubois, Clearfield, Bishop Gillfoyle, and Mifflinburg.

The Wildcat Baseball team has been invited to compete in the annual Altoona Curve Classic at Blair County Ballpark. The tournament will be on Friday April 28th, Saturday April 29th, and the finals on Sunday April 30th. The team is guaranteed 2 games. There are 8 teams competing and they are: Altoona HS, Bishop Guilfoyle HS, Central HS, Central Mountain HS, Forest Hills HS, Hollidaysburg HS, Lewistown HS, and Tyrone HS. Committing to this tournament will require a few schedule changes. The regular season game on April 20th with Altoona HS will be moved to Friday, April 28th as our opening game of the tournament. This will require us to move our scheduled game with Punxsutawney to another date. This date has not been determined yet. We will announce it when it has been decided upon.

A requirement of our program in order to be in the tournament and play at the Blair County Ballpark is to sell 200 tickets to the Altoona Curve home game on Saturday, April 22nd at 5:05 against the Akron Aeros (Cleveland Indian's Affiliate). We need your help selling tickets. Make plans now to attend this game and also help us meet our ticket requirement. If you would like to purchase some of these tickets, you can contact Coach Kramer at 893-4646 during school hours. Your help is greatly appreciated.

There are promotional events also being offered to us for participating. Prior to the April 22nd game, the Dean Patterson Curve Classic will hold several events promoting area high school baseball and the tournament. These promotions are:
Curve Classic Coaches Clinic for the coaches of the participating schools

Blair County Ballpark Tour for players and coaches of the participating teams.
Watch Batting Practice and infield practice prior to the Curve game.
and Team Introductions. Players, coaches and school officials will be introduced individually in an on-field ceremony prior to the Curve game.

The coaches and players are very excited about the opportunity to play in a top notch facility like the Blair County Ballpark. This is just another reason why it is great to be a part of the Wildcat baseball program.

The Wildcats returned home late Saturday night after playing in a tri-scrimmage at Rising Sun High School in Maryland. The two teams we competed against in the scrimmage were Rising Sun and Aberdein high schools. The skies were clear, the sun was out, and the wind was blowing.
Wildcats with a BIG day:
At the Plate:
Justin Savrock went 3 for 4 with a triple and 3 RBI's, and 3 runs scored.
Jon Ohl went 3 for 4 with a double, 2 RBI's, and 3 runs scored.
Josh Bechdel went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI's, and 2 Runs scored.
Blake Barth went 2 for 4 with a double, 2 RBI's, and 2 Runs scored.
BJ Williamson went 2 for 3 with an RBI.
On the Mound:
DJ Heggenstaller threw 2 strong innings throwing 10 strikes and 8 balls.
Blake Barth threw 2 good innings with a 2 to 1 strike to ball ratio.
Anthony Houser pitched 1 2/3 innings and did well. He 18 strikes and 10 balls.
Curtis Harpster threw two strong innings with 16 strikes and 12 balls.

Overall, the trip was a success because the Cats were exposed to numerous game situations. We identified areas that need improvement, and we saw many many areas we performed well. Our next action will be against Warrior Run on Saturday, March 25th.

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CONGRATULATIONS to the Beech Creek Jr. Legion team on capturing the Junior Legion Eastern Regional Title. The next step for the team will be at Homer City for the State Tournament. Play well and bring home the title.

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CONGRATULATIONS To the Beech Creek Jr. Crickets for Winning the league title. They finished the previously suspended game with Berwick on Thursday, 7/19, by scoring 1 run in the bottom of the 8th. Way to Go!

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Congratulation to the Beech Creek Sr. Legion Team on their berth into the playoffs as the 5th seed. The Crickets went 2 and 2 in the playoffs.

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Clinton County's Got Talent 

We had a GREAT time as a team participating in the Clinton County's Got Talent talent show.  Thanks for giving a P1W On the Attack effort in ALL that you do!

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Sunday, March 25:
What a wonderful day for baseball, unfortunately we were watching and not playing. The Wildcat team traveled to Medler Field to watch PSU take on Central Conneticut. It was a pitchers dual of which CCU came out on top of a 2-0 victory. CCU had a lefty who reminded me of Tom Glavine. He had command of his fastball and located it well. He definitely owned the low and away FB. Even more impressive was how well he changed speeds to compliment his FB. Prior to entering into the stadium, the Wildcat players were given an assignment. They were told to watch their position and find something that they could bring back to the team. Overall, it was a great day. Practice tomorrow at the field. 3:30 to 5:15. Pick up your game pants after school.

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Friday, March 23:
We have been trapped inside for quite some time now and could really be stale, but players have been upbeat and focused during practices. We know that it is very easy to lose the attention and focus when your not on the diamond where the game is to be played. I have noticed improvement in you. My "HATS OFF" to the Wildcat players for making the most of the situation. It won't be long and we will be in our element, the great outdoors.

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Tuesday, March 13th:
Oh what a great feeling being OUTSIDE and on a BALLFIELD! We had an intense defensive practice today. We were able to cover numerous parts of the game which as a single entity appear to be small, but in the end are very HUGE. (Exs: Speeding up your cutoffs, cutoff communication, backing up plays, defensive coverages, and double steal defenses.) Not to mention the skill development periods for each of the positions. Keep working and never be satisfied. Playing a SOLID Defense and our Hustle will define the 2007 Wildcat Team.
We also got some words of wisdom from players today. Here is a small portion of what was shared in between poles:
"If your not first, your last."
"If you shirk today's tasks, you increase tomorrow's burdens"
"You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets."
"The harder you work, the luckier you get."
These aren't all of the wise words, it's just that I forgot them. Sorry.
I will end with a quote from a famous basketball player. His quote falls into our teams mission statement, Strive for Excellence Both On And Off Of The Field.
"Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. You are what you do repeatedly." ---Shaquille O'Neal

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Saturday, March 10th:
Week one of try-outs is completed. We are still evaluating players to determine their role on this year's team. The players in the program will be notified in the up coming week of their placement in the program. You will either be on the Varsity Team, The JV Team, or the on the practice squad. We have been doing a lot of drill work, and individual skill development stations. During this time, I would like you to have a heightened awareness, an extreme FOCUS on skill improvement. Eliminate negative thoughts from your mind and solely FOCUS and concentrate on the task at hand. (Ex. When doing a hitting drill, focus on the spin of the ball. Or when fielding a ground ball, count the hops and watch the spin.) This will enable your body to do what is natural, HIT, or FIELD! The act of concentration and FOCUS needs to be practiced. So in short, I am saying, "Clear your minds and eliminate any distractions during drills so that your body can be relaxed and at ease to perform at it's peak performance level. And remember, "STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE". The relentless, never-ending committment to making your and your teammates better. Striving for excellence is not doing what is expected, but doing more than what is expected.

We also noticed that early in the week, the team needed some leaders to step up and take the bull by the horns. We are looking for those "special" players who motivate themselves and others at all times...Not just during the easy times or the fun times. You can lead quietly by example, or be a vocal leader by telling your teammates to keep it up, work harder, get em' next time, or by letting your team know that we are not going to accept "good enough". Thursday and Friday's practice showed potential in this area. I was pleased with what I saw with some individuals stepping up and pushing their teammates. It sent chills up my spine. Well done, and keep this up. You are the fuel which is crucial in our teams success.

Week 2 is about here, and I am looking forward to continued growth with our team and also with each player. Yours in baseball.

Mountain League All-Stars

2008 Scott Zuback (1st Team OF)
2008 Anthony Houser (1st Team CPL, P)

Mountain League Teams
Central Mountain
Indian Valley
Bellefonte
Lewistown
Huntingdon
Bald Eagle Area
Philipsburg
Tyrone
Penns Valley
Central

2012 Team Picture

 

Congratulations to Luke and Von for your recent commitments.  We are very proud of you.  Click the pictures below to read more on the two Wildcats.

                   

 

Congratulations Keystone Little League
Congratulations to the Keystone Little League team on winning the Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship.
The Wildcat Baseball Program is very proud of you on your recent accomplishment.
See you in South Williamsport at the Little League World Series!

 

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1957 For Thunderbird Car Raffle Brochure

On Wednesday, June 20th, the Team enjoyed a night out at the ballpark. Players loaded the yellow wagon at 4:00 from Central Mountain High School and traveled to Ci Ci's Pizza in State College. This is a huge pizza buffet where you could endulge in all varieties of pizza. I beleive Ci Ci's took a loss in profits due to the excessive amount of pizza the players put away that night. After we all managed to board the bus after the meal, we proceeded to Medler Field to partake in opening day. It was a beautiful evening for baseball with the weather very much cooperating dealing us teamperatures in the 70's and no humidity. The game was well played with both squads represented by some awesome pitchers. It was a back yard pitcher's duel where the final score ending up 2-0 in favor of the Crosscutter's (Phillies affiliate!!!) After the game the team stayed and took in the fireworks display which proved to be enjoyable to all. The trip came to an end when we pulled back into the parking lot of CMHS at approximately 10:30. I can speak on behalf of the group to say that everyone had a Great time at the ball park.

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Central Mountain High School All-Stars

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Central Pennsylvania League Teams

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*Altoona Bald Eagle Area Bellefonte Clearfield *Central Mountain Dubois *Hollidaysburg	Huntingdon *Indian Valley Lewistown Philipsburg-Osceola Punxutawney *State College Williamsport
* Indicates the schools who participate in the Mountain Athletic Conference Big School Division.

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Central Pennsylvania League Selections 2000 Chad Todd (1st Team C) 2000 Andy Phillips (1st Team 2B) 2001 Brock Nestlerode (1st Team 3B) 2001 Cody Caris (2nd Team OF, and Hon. Mention P) 2001 Seth Shreckengast (Honorable Mention P) 2002 Jason Zinck (1st Team P, and 2nd Team 3B) 2002 Brock Nestlerode (Honorable Mention 3B) 2003 Brian Lageman (1st Team OF) 2003 Ryan Scanlan (1st Team DH) 2004 Brian Lageman (1st Team OF) 2005 2006 Josh Bechdel (Honorable Mention, SS) 2006 Justin Savrock (Honorable Mention, OF) 2006 Blake Barth (Honorable Mention, C) 2007 James Gallagher (1st Team Designated Hitter) 2008 Anthony Houser (1st Team Pitcher)

Mountain Athletic Conference Selections MAC Conference First Year of Selections (2004) 2004 Brian Lageman (1st Team OF) 2004 Matt Miller (1st Team DH) 2005 2006 2007 James Gallagher (1st Team, DH) 2007 Brett Heggenstaller (1st Team, 3B) 2007 Matt McGhee (1st Team, C) (Mountain Athletic Conference's Last Season) Newly Formed Mountain League in 2008. This league is for All sports. 2008 Scott Zuback (1st Team, OF) **** (First Year of the Mountain League)

2006 Central Pennsylvania League All-Star Selections

Three of our Wildcats were chosen as Honorable Mentions to the prestigious CPL All-Stars.  (Josh Bechdel (ss), Justin Savrock (of), and Blake Barth (c) ) Congratulations to you three on a well deserved recognition!  Below are the 1st and 2nd team CPL All-Star selections.

1st Team Selections
Position	Name	Grade	School
First Base	Lance Leathers	11	Bellefonte
Second Base	Cody Young	12	Bellefonte
Third Base	Brett Weibley	11	Hollidaysburg
Shortstop	Tyler James	12	Bellefonte
Catcher	Matt Adams	12	Philipsburg-Osceola
Outfielders	Nick Weller Matt Truesdale Chris Moyer	12 12 12	Bald Eagle Area Bellefonte State College
DH	Ben Maurer	11	Philipsburg-Osceola
Pitchers	Nick Gillung Mike Pierce	11 12	Punxsutawney State College

 

2nd  Team Selections
Position	Name	Grade	School
First Base	Brian Shaw	12	Hollidaysburg
Second Base	Ben Yoder	12	Indian Valley
Third Base	Dustin Dubensky	12	Punxsutawney
Shortstop	Adam Jury	11	Clearfield
Catcher	Brock Porter	11	Hollidaysburg
Outfielders	Tyler Quick Jordan Luzier A.J. Czap	11 12 11	Bald Eagle Area Philipsburg-Osceola Philipsburg-Osceola
DH	Matt Marter	10	Huntingdon
Pitchers	Trey Wallace Brian Shaw	12 12	Clearfield Hollidaysburg

Preseason Throwing Program for Pitchers
by John Habyan

One of the biggest challenges facing a coach is determining the best way to prepare pitchers for the opening of practice or tryouts.

In professional baseball, managers pretty much know what their starting rotation is going to be heading into spring training. Usually there are several guys competing for just a few spots as relievers. In some instances there might be two or three pitchers competing for the fifth spot in a rotation. Regardless, those managers can take comfort in the fact that they have six full weeks in which to analyze, evaluate and prepare each potential member of the pitching staff.

High school and youth coaches don’t have that luxury. In most parts of the country, because of the winter and spring weather, you might only have a couple of weeks from the time you officially begin practice until your first scrimmage. In locations where the weather is really rough you might only get outside a couple of times before the first scrimmage. For coaches who have many question marks surrounding the players who will comprise their pitching staff, this doesn’t leave much time for preparation or evaluation.

Click here to read more ...

 

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Wildcat Baseball...

P1W On the Attack

"Striving for Excellence"In ALL that We DO!

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Complete the Dream Brochure

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Car Raffle Information
"Complete the Dream"
Baseball, softball, and local sport enthusiasts have joined forces in an effort to "Complete the Dream" at Central Mountain High School. What is "Complete the Dream"....?
The group is taking the next step in completing the sports/physical education complex at CMHS. This would be phase II of the complex. Phase I had Malinak Stadium, Bowes Fieldhouse, and a physical education surface constructed. Phase II is going to add two baseball fields, two softball fields, Fall sport practice areas, and a nature walk/exercise trail. This phase II is what we are calling "Complete the Dream".
The "Completing the Dream" project is going to require the help from all involved as well as getting the community excited about the potential that this project has to offer and to also get their envolvement.
Keeping the players on site will eliminate the daily bus trips to practices and games. Players will be able to utilize Bowes Field House for locker rooms. Community members can enjoy multiple games at one site. Exercise enthusiasts can enjoy the Nature Walk trail. Coaches will be able to run combined varsity and junior varsity practices with ease. With a state of the art varsity baseball and softball field, the HS could host district and state playoff games.
How can you help...?
1. You can help by downloading the Car Raffle Brochure file below and take a chance at winning a 1957 Ford Thunderbird. With this chance, you and a guest are invited to an all you can eat pig roast held at the Castanea Picnic grounds on November 5th.


2. You can make a general donation to the project. Download the Complete the Dream Brochure from below and fill out the required paperwork. All donations are tax deductible.
3. You can make a major donation by obtaining naming rights for one of the fields, the press boxes, the dugouts, the foul pole, the score board, and other items which are listed in the "Complete the Dream" Brochure. Download the "Complete the Dream" Brochure from below and fill out the information form and one of our Ad Hoc members will give you a call and set-up a meeting.