Wolf Lake Wolf Pack

Boone Caughey of the Wolf Pack was nice enough to answer my questions about the Wolf Pack and their upcoming season.

TT: Briefly can you tell me about 2007 season with your record and how you did in the playoffs and any special acheivements worth noting.

BC:We finished with a 23-8 record, won Region 16C, and advanced to the state tournament where we lost in the first round. Our goal the last few years has been to win the state tournament, which we obviously didn’t accomplish, but overall I’d say that 2007 was a success. We won a tournament in Brookings , SD which was fun, in part because the trophy is absolutely huge. I’m not kidding, it’s probably four feet tall.

TT: Is there any key additions to the team?

BC: We haven’t signed anyone new yet but a couple guys have expressed an interest. We are getting a couple guys back from injuries so that’ll help.

TT:Is there any key losses from the team?

BC: Not that I know of.

TT: What do you view as the teams strengths this season?

BC: We’re strong up the middle and our pitching staff is pretty solid

TT:What are some things the team needs to work on to be the best it can be come playoff time?

BC: Our coaching needs improvement

TT:What are the expections you have for your team going into the season?

BC: I expect Ron Litzau to concoct a lame excuse why he has to DH, Shane and Ryan Hendrickson to each break a bat per game in BP, Isaac Hjermstad to pick up about 30% of the signs, the temperature to be at least 95 the day we play at the always lovely Matt Leritz field, and finally I expect to win all but a handful of the team poker tournaments.

TT: If you could say what player is the key to your success or failure and why?

BC: Whoever is pitching that day. It’s a lame answer but picking one guy is impossible.

TT:Break down your league for me and where do you see your team fitting into your league.

BC: We play in the North Division of the Lake and Pine. Wolf Lake and Midway have finished 1-2 for as long as I can remember, and I expect the same this year. However, Lakes Area Lightning is new to our division in 2008 and I think they’ll be far more competitive than Nevis , the team they’re replacing, so it should be interesting. Nimrod and Red Eye are two of the top teams in the South Division and I expect them to battle for the top spot again this year.

TT: Where do you see amateur baseball going in the next 5 years?

BC:Unfortunately amateur baseball is on a downswing and I don’t see that changing over the next five years. Ten years ago it was not uncommon to see a 16 year old and a 45 year old on the same field. Now the 16 year old works a summer job or sits on the computer, and the guys that used to play forever retire at 30 so they can be at the lake all summer. It’s a shame

TT: If you could change something about amateur baseball what would it be?

BC: I would get rid of the draft.

I would like to thank Boone for answering my questions about the upcoming season and im sure the Wolf Pack will have another outstanding season this year. They are one of the best teams in this area so casual fans if you get a chance to watch them go ahead and do it you will see good baseball.
BC: