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A confident group of the United States Merchant Marine Academy Baseball Mariners enters the 2007 campaign ready to improve on last seasons 11-25 record. With an entirely new coaching staff and fresh faces, the Mariners look to prove to the Skyline conference that they?re ready to play.

Under first year head coach Scott Kushner, the 2007 Mariners look once again jump start the year in Florida against Northwood University, Florida Memorial and arch rival U.S. Coast Guard Academy. After an outing at City College of New York, the Mariners face off against John Jay College for its home opener on March 15^th.

The Mariners are led by two promising team captains. Lone senior pitcher Justin Backus, who in 2006 led the Mariners in innings, pitched with 45.1 and junior starter L.J. Floravanti who will also start in the Outfield for USMMA.

Also seeing innings is 6?9? freshmen Keith Heine, junior Nicholas Geier, returning sophomore Alex Smith and David Dorfman who will also see time in the Infield.

Accompanying Dorfman in the infield includes starters L.J McCollum, who led the ?06 team with a .441 on base percentage, starting first baseman Brad Rakoce, junior Robert Tenholz who returns as a starter after leading the team in fielding double plays. Juniors Patrick Boyle, Tom Lawrence, Brandon Scott and freshman Ian Sibberson will all help man the infield.

Freshmen Stan Schwitalla, Mike Bybee, Travis Christensen, Jared Fassnacht and junior Nathan Meyers will all see time at either first or second base.

Having the task of playing catcher is starter J.B. Zorn who also boasts the task of backing up at the pitcher position. Standout freshman Matt Rigby will see time at catcher and also will be used as a utility throughout the 2007 season. Junior Dylan Tumblin and freshmen Jeff Schwind, Jared Powell and Don Occhipiniti will help out with the catching duties.

Their counterparts in the outfield will feature the likes of junior Aldean Codling and freshmen Jeff Hubach.

USMMA will commence conference play on March 24^th against Mount St. Mary in a double-header. The Mariners will host Skyline opponents Stevens, Old Westbury, Farmingdale, Maritime, St. Josephs, and Manhattanville.

The Blue & Gray hope to make an appearance in the Skyline Conference Tournament starting May 3^rd.