TEAM COACH: Zach Habben returns to the field this year as the team’s head coach.

TEAM CAPTAINS: None are selected yet, but Habben said the team has a “completely different energy, with great leadership.” He singled out pitchers Gavin Gorrell, a junior, and Alden Huschle, senior, along with senior Reid Lutz and junior Mason Marenco as some of the players who lead by example.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS YEAR: Team diversity is stronger, with more underclassmen in the mix this year, says Habben. He’s also excited that “The team as a whole has bought into what we’re doing. The guys are hungry, they want to get out and play and they don’t want a repeat of last season.”

Pointing out at the rain-soaked practice field, he noted that all of the team’s practice jerseys had the number 1 on the back. “One team, one goal, one direction,” he said.

Lutz said the team has a really strong sense of unity, too. “It’s all about the team,” he said. “We’re more like family,” he said.

“We’re all like best friends,” added Gorrell.

A lot is riding on Gorrell and Huschle this season, too.

“Our pitching staff is going to be unstoppable,” predicted Lutz

TEAM GOALS: Going to state is always at the top of the team’s list of goals, but the road to state is almost more important. Both Lutz and Huschle talked about the Wildcats’ streak of KingCo league championships. The run ended when they were sophomores, and the team moved to the 4A level last year, increasing the challenge, but they would like to start that streak again.

“Just to be the best in the league,” said Huschle, of his goals.

DON’T MISS A GAME: Redmond or Skyline will be the game to watch this year, according to the athletes. Coach Habben says it will be the Ballard game, March 26 at Safeco Field. It’s free to attend, he said, and a great experience for the team.

Until then, the team will continue to practice and play, rain or shine, and work toward that KingCo championship.

“One of our things is we don’t go inside,” said Habben.

So how do the guys stay warm? Practice, mental discipline, and just a touch of smack talk.

“It’s all mental,” says Huschle. “You tell yourself you’re warm, you’re warm.”