Harrison Baseball Preview

 The Top Spot:

Coach Marco Diruocco and the Harrison Huskies have enjoyed a lot of success over the last two years. The 2010 team went on a Cinderella run that ended in the section championship game at Dutchess Stadium, and last season the team went 15-7 and rached the section semifinals before falling to Tappan Zee.

Recently, Patch caught up with Head Coach Diruocco to discuss this year’s team.

Patch: As far as age and, more importantly experience goes, what type of team do you expect to have this season?

Marco Diruocco: I expect to have a pretty experienced team with talented ball players. We have worked really hard these past few days and coach Ciraco and myself are already seeing improvement.

Patch: What were some of the weaknesses your team had last year that you hope to improve upon this season?

Diruocco: I would like us to be more consistent throughout the season, especially at the end.

Patch: Who are some of your returning players coming back who you see being big contributors?

Diruocco:  Alex Beckett and Austin Pollack all had very good years last year. I am expecting them to continue to improve and perform during the season.

Patch: Who are some of your new players you are expecting to thrust into a
larger role on the team?

Diruocco: We have a bunch of juniors that we expect to contribute and really help with the success of this team.

Patch: How has the team been preparing in the off-season?

Diruocco: We have been working extremely hard this off-season, conducting night sessions at the high school on Mondays and Wednesdays. The numbers were great and it was really productive.

Patch: What are your goals for the season as a team?

Diruocco: Our goals are to be competitive in every game we play in. We also are shooting for the league this year—which is always tough—and to get back to the sectional final game, but this time win it and become section champs!”

Patch: Are there one or two games circled on the schedule this season?

Diruocco: Rye, Greeley and Fox Lane are big time opponents that are always tough games, but in baseball you never know. We have to go out in every game and play to our potential. This game will ground you very quickly.

Patch: What are you personally looking forward to this season? 

Diruocco: I just feel very fortunate to coach another season in Harrison with these kids. Coach Ciraco and myself prepare all year long for this season to come and when it does, we get fired up!

Weekly Sports Poll:

This week, the Daily Sports Digest Weekly Poll looks at the New York Knicks and the .

Tell us if you would like to see John Calipari, Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan, Mike Woodson or someone else on the bench next year and feel free to add your comments to an already lively debate.