East Peoria, Ill. - Perhaps you've turned the heat down in your homes. Perhaps the jacket you're wearing when out and about has gotten a bit lighter. All that coupled with Brett Kelley's ICC baseball team starting the season on Friday afternoon may have you thinking it's not early February. We promise you, it is. The Cougars, taking advantage of the seemingly sudden spring-like weather, picked up a three-game series with the John A. Logan Volunteers this weekend to lead off their 2024 slate. 

RECAPPING THE 2023 SEASON
The Cougars won 23 games a year ago, taking down #1 Pearl River and also advancing to the Semifinals of the Region 24 tournament. Although ousted by Lincoln Land, Coach Kelley says they were right there.

"We had a solid team last season. We just didn't win enough of the close games and couldn't finish. We were playing well at the end, we just need to find a way to win those."

KEY PIECES BACK ON THE ROSTER
Coach Kelley also cites the amount of returners specifically on the mound, with Gavin Thompson (stats), Gage Burdick (Stats), Cole Thomas (stats), and Ian McGhiey (stats) expected to take on a lot of the innings load, perhaps as a main key to success this season. It leaves Kelley saying that "they have all improved. We're looking for them to make a jump"

Speaking of making a jump, expect Luke Doty to be a key hitter out of the leadoff spot, particularly for his speed. Tyler Bishop, a good power name from a year ago, has improved moreso over the fall season. The "return of the Mack", as Kyle Mack, who was injured last season, gives the Cougars a "physical" bat at the heart of the order. Expect Riley McCallister to also bring some pop to the lineup.

WHO'S THE NEW GUY? NEW NAMES TO WATCH THIS SPRING
The Cougars have been able to pick up a quality amount of transfers for the 2024 season, adding Gus Lucas, Chase Martin, Kizer Teague, and Alec Bulak - and that's just pitching. 

Adding Noah Campbell, Kannon Kleine, Nick Piazza, Ashton Horchem, Bryce Bishop, Jacob Castleman, and Tom Verran gives a veteran touch to the roster. 

BASEBALL? ON FEBRUARY 9TH? IN ILLINOIS?
This season preview was not supposed to be published today, but here we are. John A. Logan was washed out of a tournament down south and was willing to schedule a series with the Cougars, to which they complied. It's certainly a unique situation, but Coach Kelley says his group is ready for it.

"The early spring weather has helped for sure. We usually don't open the season until later in February. Being able to practice outdoors on the field is a tremendous help. You can see our improvement from day one until now. Guys are more comfortable with all aspects of the game."

BREAKING DOWN THE PRESEASON PREPARATION
You will always have your typical ways to prepare for a baseball season, but within that, Coach Kelley goes back to the veteran leadership that has made the preseason preparations so seamless.

"This is a really veteran group. There is good leadership and they take their development seriously. This group has trained hard every day. They really want to be successful."

GAMES TO WATCH ON THE 2024 SCHEDULE
As for what games the Cougar fans should keep an eye on, or perhaps at least moreso than others? Coach Kelley says the list is long. Calling the upcoming John A. Logan series "a chance to see what we need to work on", it's just the doorstep. 

The annual Mississippi trip always features high-quality competition, again led by preseason #3 Pearl River. (RV) Jones College is also in that field. Coach Kelley agrees about what that trip can bring.

"The Mississippi trips are always fun and competitive."

The MWAC slate is another fun one. The conference features preseason #1-ranked Heartland, #17 Lincoln Land, and #20 Parkland. When asked what league games to watch, Coach Kelley said "any" of them, adding that "there's loads of talent in this league".

23RD YEAR OF THE BRETT KELLEY ERA
Brett Kelley has been a mainstay at the CougarPlex for over two decades now. Just like any baseball player, fan, coach, etc., he says opening day and the build-up to it never gets old.

"The start of the season always brings an energy to the building. All the early mornings, cold outdoor practices, and waiting to play while watching the southern teams scores and highlights are over. Breaking out the 'real' uniforms and white baseballs means it's time to compete."

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
2024 Opening Day
@ John A. Logan Volunteers
Friday, February 9th - 12:00 PM (DH)
@ Volunteer Field, Carterville, Ill.
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