By Keeghan Gittins
For The New Era
Head Coach Evan Teter believes that extensive training in the offseason this year will have his Huskies ready for a postseason push in this year’s baseball season.
Judging by the results of Sweet Home’s first two games, that seems like a very realistic goal.
“We are going into this season with the expectation of being in the postseason, and these guys have been putting in countless hours this offseason preparing for success,” Teter said.
That work has already translated into results. The Huskies opened the season with a slow 3-0 win over Madras, followed by a 7-4 victory over Siuslaw, giving them early momentum and a glimpse of what they’re capable of when things come together.
Last year Sweet Home finished as the No. 27 4A team in the state, 3-12 in league and 8-18 overall.
A key difference for this year’s group is experience. With 10 returners back in the lineup, the Huskies have a stronger foundation than in years past.
“We have a more experienced group this year, and they know what it looks like to be both unsuccessful and successful,” Teter said. “They understand what they need to do to get there.”
That experience has been paired with a strong commitment in the offseason, where players consistently showed up for extra work.
“This result wasn’t by accident — we’ve been in the cages all offseason,” Teter said. “It’s pretty special when you have 10 to 15 guys getting in cuts and bullpen sessions at 7 a.m. before school.”
Teter has made a deliberate effort to change the culture, with an emphasis on growth, of course through the successes but also in the failures, always providing a time and way to learn.
“This year we defined what was important to us by establishing the core values of our program. Each player has a journal they can use, so when they face struggles later on, they have something to look back on.” Said Teter
Leadership from the senior class has also helped set the tone.
“This senior group is the first I’ve been able to see all the way through their high school career,” Teter said. “They’ve taken it upon themselves to have a great senior year, and it’s been cool to see them lead.”
On the field, the Huskies’ early success has been driven largely by their pitching and defense. This was a large point of emphasis over the off season.
In the season opener, junior Luke Rosa delivered a standout performance, throwing a complete-game shutout in the 3-0 win over Madras. Rosa allowed no runs over seven innings, using just 84 pitches — 54 for strikes — while recording five strikeouts. Sweet Home’s defense backed him up, not allowing a baserunner until the third inning.
Offensively, Rosa also led the way with a double and two RBIs, while sophomore Damon Lawrence added a double in a game in which runs didn’t come easily.
“Luke Rosa is a great example of the work these guys have put in,” Teter said. “He’s built a lot of trust with the effort he puts in and the attention he gives to the little things.”
Pitching depth has been a major role in the Huskies’ recent success. Senior Eddie Taylor started on the mound, working through early trouble, before junior Kyle Zajic came in to stabilize the game. Zajic threw four scoreless innings in relief, allowing just two hits while striking out two to help secure the win.
“Having guys who can come in and shut the door late in games when we have a lead is going to be very important for us this season,” Teter said.
At the plate, Sweet Home showed more balance in its second game. Lawrence and Rosa each recorded a triple, while sophomore Jake Smith contributed a double and two RBIs. Zajic also added a double, highlighting the team’s ability to get production throughout the lineup.
“With young guys ready to contribute, we’re able to balance development and competing right now, the young guys don’t feel like young guys because of the experience they’ve already gained,” the coach said.
“Our league is always tough, so it will be a challenge to finish at the top. But we’re confident in our preparation and expect to be competitive every game.”
Rounding out this year’s varsity roster are seniors Cohen Gutierrez, Lynkin Royer and Eddie Taylor; juniors Tregon Francis, Lawson Lawrence and Bradyn McClure; sophomores Kyler Bondesen and Conner Northern; and freshmen Colten Lindsey and Macen Rosa.
Junior varsity players are: juniors Daniel McCubbins and Gage Pettner; sophomores Braidyn Borello, Michael Eggers and Paxton Freeman; and freshmen Ayden Marin, Jaxson Burke, Ryder Cummings, Boone Cupp, Gavin Duran, Mason Flores, Kaleb Fortune, Tatum Hoffman, Landen Pruitt, Kolten Reddington, Brodie Starha, Murphy Savolt, Sam Sims and Gunnar Stafford.
For Teter, the focus goes beyond wins and losses. The program’s growth, both on and off the field, remains a central priority.
Teter is assisted by Jim Hagle, Joe Rosa and Zach Luttmer; JV Head Coach Mike Carpenter; and JV assistant coaches Brett Blachly, Chris Minter, Cliff Dominy, Joe Medley and Kelso Ellis.
“Our coaching staff is top-tier,” he said. “They invest in our athletes in a way that helps them not just as baseball players, but as men.”
With a strong returning core, improved depth on the mound, and a clear sense of identity, Sweet Home plans to turn their offseason preparations and hopes into reality.
The Huskies have a long spring break, playing four games in a tournament in The Dallas starting Monday, March 23. Sweet Home returns home March 31 to play what looks to be a solid Cottage Grove team.