Finishing the season very strong
Improving from start to finish
Back among the big east's best

“Most of these guys have been with the program a long time and have seen a lot of success over the last four-to-five years,” said Schlotterback. “I started here when these guys were eighth-graders and just getting into the program, now five years later, we’ve had one of the most successful runs in Anamosa High School baseball history and these seniors were a big part of that success.”

Vernon led the way in 2007 leading the Raiders with his .444 batting average and 14 doubles all while playing an amazing center field. He also stepped to the mound this summer as well logging 29 2/3 innings with a 2-3 record overall and 28 strikeouts.

“There have been some pretty good center fielders come through this school the last several years but I do honestly think Greg is the best I’ve ever seen,” said Schlotterback. “He’s not only the best I’ve ever coached, but one of the best I have ever seen play the position.”

Vernon played the entire 2007 summer in center field without making a single error while also making amazing grabs look almost routine.

“The great ones seem to make it look so easy and Greg is one of the rare individuals who have that incredible ability,” said Schlotterback. “He chased down balls very few center fielders in the state of Iowa can chase down and probably saved our pitchers dozens and dozens of hits during the course of the season. With him out there our pitchers knew they had a guy who could get to just about any ball hit out there.”

Kula anchored the Raiders’ catching position and also tallied 44 innings on the hill with a phenomenal 5-1 pitching record with 36 strikeouts.

“Brandon was another kid who did it all for us this year,” said Schlotterback. “He hit the ball, and hit it very, very well and also gave us a lot of innings on the hill and when he wasn’t there, he was catching our other pitchers.”

Kula was second to Vernon on the team hitting .416 with a team-best three home runs, 44 runs batted in and .624 slugging percentage while also adding 13 doubles.

Embree also tallied innings as Anamosa’s backstop while also being one of the team’s top pitchers adding 51 innings on the hill and 2.75 ERA with a team-best 66 strikeouts while logging a 4-6 record.

“Alec was one of our main pitchers this year getting the starts in all the big conference games,” said Schlotterback. “He and Nathan Kaufman were the kids we gave the ball too against the toughest competition and for the most part, they came through with flying colors.”

Embree also hit .348 with 25 RBIs and led the Raiders with 23 bases on balls.

“Alec’s pitching record is a little deceiving,” said Schlotterback. “He was 4-6, but his 2.75 ERA showed how well he really pitched for us. When we gave Alec the ball we knew exactly what we were going to get. He was a strikeout pitcher who chewed up innings and gave us a chance to win.”

Miller was also a key pitching contributor going 5-0 tallying 35 2/3 innings on the mound with 27 strikeouts while only issuing a mere seven walks with his 3.40 ERA.

“Stu had that rubber arm all year for us,” said Schlotterback. “He gave us some big innings right when we needed them.”

Vaughn anchored the Anamosa infield playing a solid shortstop while hitting .298 with 38 runs scored and 24 stolen bases.

“Nate always gave us all he had all season long,” said Schlotterback. “He didn’t have the most powerful arm at shortstop, but he made the plays we had to have and was a leader on the infield.”

Alderdyce also turned in a solid summer hitting .287 with 20 RBIs.

“Jordan got his chance to play about mid-way through the season and took advantage and kept the job,” said Schlotterback. “Jordan always worked hard and it seemed whenever we needed a big hit and he was the guy at the plate, he always delivered.”

Peters came back out for baseball this summer and played right field.

“It was great to have Andrew back on the team again,” said Schlotterback. “He was a valuable pinch-runner for us and played a good right field too. I hope he enjoyed playing as much as we enjoyed having him on the team this year.”

While Schlotterback loses the services of his seven outstanding seniors, he also returns several stars as Anamosa makes the jump to the powerful WaMaC Conference next summer.

“It’s going to be an adjustment, that’s for sure next year,” said Schlotterback of the move from the Tri-Rivers. “But we’re excited about the challenge. I think we can be competitive in the WaMaC next year and maybe even surprise a few teams along the way.”

Schlotterback returns Tucker Vondracek, Kaufman, Kalib Seeley and Brady Vaughn as players who saw significant innings this past summer.

Vondracek set the table from the lead-off spot all summer hitting .375 with a team-leading 29 stolen bases and 47 runs scored.

“Tucker is a big part of our offense,” said Schlotterback. “What he does at the top gets everyone else going and thankfully, he had another very good season playing left-field for us.”

Kaufman was sensational hitting .358 with 30 RBIs while also topping Raider pitchers with six wins and a 2.37 ERA while fanning 52 batters in 59 1/3 innings pitched.

“Nathan broke through and had a big year,” said Schlotterback. “The kid did it all for us. He’s a big-time talent with more good things ahead of him.”

Seeley, a first-time starter at the varsity level for the Raiders, played first-base and hit .317 with 16 RBIs.

Brady Vaughn had 13 steals while playing all over the infield for Schlotterback.

“The young kids are going to be a key for us next year too,” said Schlotterback. “Tim Weideman, David Wilcox, Spencer Wood and Kaleb Kilburg, just to name a few, will get the opportunity to show their stuff next summer and I know they’ll be ready to accept the challenge.”