Friendly Atmosphere Marks Calvary Christian

Calvary Christian has evolved over the past few years into one of the top small-school programs in the county.

It’s achieved that status under manager Gregg Mucerino by developing players in all facets of the game.

With only a handful of returning starters back, the Eagles find themselves busy in the development department, but there’s a feeling of optimism and belief that a solid season is ahead mainly because of a strong sense of camaraderie among the players.

“We’ve got a good bunch of kids,” Mucerino said. “They work hard. They get along real well together, and they work well together.”

The team lost ace Austin Sovay to graduation, leaving the team light in the pitching department. Andrew Liberty, who also is a short stop, will be counted on this year to lead the staff. Mucerino said he has offers from Jacksonville and Nova Southeastern.

“He has good command of his fastball on both sides of the plate, continues to get better with his change-up and he always has a decent breaking ball he can throw,” Mucerino said. “The key for him is protecting his arm if we’re still using him as a short stop because he’s got some offers on the table as a middle infielder and will be a good college middle infielder for sure.”

Liberty expects to be in the spotlight this year and to do even better than last year when he went 7-1 with 37 strikeouts and a 2.00 ERA in 35 innings.

“Last year, I was the number two guy behind Austin, and this year, I kind of see myself as being the number one, getting a lot more innings,” he said. “I’ll just be ready to go whenever.”

Behind Liberty, the team will be watching the progress of Tyler Ray, Chris Turley and Jake Jackson, younger brother of former Calvary star pitcher Luke Jackson.

“[Jake] physically is farther along that his brother at this age, but not as polished as a pitcher and not nearly as experienced,” Mucerino said. “It’s exciting because he wants to work hard and do well.”

Luke Poirier, who struggled at the plate last year, will be counted on to produce more this year in a utility role.

“This year my biggest contribution is going to be on defense and hopefully a little pitching, too,” Poirier said.

Nick Kumar, last year’s mainstay cleanup hitter who hit .395, is a solid third baseman who “really carried us a good part of the year,” Mucerino said.

Stephen Barnett led in stolen bases last year and continues to make the running game a big part of what he does. He also hit .348 and led in runs scored with 24.

“He’s a great defender and good left-handed batter with some sneaky power,” Mucerino said. “We look forward to having him back.”

Liberty also supplies a big bat, hitting .369 last year with 20 runs and 19 RBI.

The Eagles caught a break during the offseason and picked up former Chaminade-Madonna catcher Keith Oren.

“He’s as good of a catch-and-throw guy as we’ve had honestly,” Mucerino said. “So we really like what he’s doing.”

Calvary maintains a quality development and conditioning program in the fall and gets players in the weight room to get stronger. The team also is working on velocity improvement among the pitchers. On the field at games and practices, school is in session.

“We get to play 20-someodd games when the rain finally stops and we get all our games in,” Mucerino said. “We’re teaching and coaching as the games are going on, which is fun, and seeing them learning and picking up the little things. And that gives you a leg up going into the spring. My philosophy in the fall has always been on development and improvement. We’re not focused on wins. We want to win and it’s fun to win and we’re trying to win, but at the end of the day, it’s about developing and improving. So far, so good.”

With everything falling into place this fall, Mucerino is hoping the team can maintain its competitive edge in District 3A-14. Chief rival Coral Springs Christian has come away with the title the past few years and as such, the Eagles have ended their season on the road in the regional quarterfinals.

The district contains some of the top small-school programs in the county and each game features strong competition from both sides.

“Coral Springs Christian is very good. Matt [Cleveland] always goes a good job over there and Steve Karp,” Mucerino said. “We have a good, healthy rivalry with them, but Westminster and Nick James continues to get better and better with their situation. Highlands is always real tough and competitive. Bruce [Charlebois] always does a good job. Sagemont has a new coach, so we don’t know there, but it’s a very competitive league and a fun league to be in. And we hope we can fight and we can scratch and be in the mix at some point, hopefully at the end. I want us to be as good as we can be, and then what ever happens happens.”

Liberty said the team will try to avoid peaking too early and falling off toward the end of the season.

“Down the stretch, we go into a slump the last week,” he said. “We’re just going to continue to hit. We’re going to see some good arms from CSCA and our district. We’re just going to be geared up and ready for those games down the stretch.”

Mucerino said he’s noticed some intangibles about the team off the field that will come into play come the spring and will perhaps make a difference this season. A close-knit group already in place has been a pleasant surprise for Mucerino.

“I see a good senior class that’s been in our system for a while. They know it and have high expectations for themselves. I think they like each other. They like each other a lot. I see it a little early in the school year. I see a group of kids that really like each other and work well together and are pulling for each other, and that’s always a good sign. Chemistry is a very, very key ingredient, or as I like to call it synergy. Having that synergy can account for some successful moments under pressure.”

Poirier said the team had made up its minds to be a unit and play unselfishly.

“This year is basically going to be all about the team, whatever we can do just to help out,” he said. “Whether its getting a bunt and pushing a guy across on a bunt or a sac fly, making that diving play, putting your body on the line. Anything we can do to help the team. We’re a family. We all have each others’ phone numbers. We all have each other’s back on the field, off the field. You have to care about your teammates and you’ve got to stick up for each other.”

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