WESSON – For the first time in more than two decades, there will be new leadership on the baseball diamond at Copiah-Lincoln this season.

Longtime head coach Keith Case retired following the 2013 season after leading the Wolves for 21 seasons. New head coach Clay Smith is ready to put his first edition on the field as the Wolves open their season on Saturday, Feb. 8, as they host the Mississippi Delta Trojans for a doubleheader.

Smith inherits a small group of sophomores that saw significant time as freshmen in 2013.

“We have some quality guys returning on the field for us. We are hoping that guys like Ryan Young, Dylan Anglin, Mitch Little, and Dominic Savage can be guys that we can count on to lead,” said Smith

Young, a Baton Rouge native, started at shortstop in 2013 and batted .262 in 145 plate appearances. Anglin, a graduate of Sumrall High School, knocked in 14 RBI’s in 74 at bats. Little, a Copiah Academy product, redshirted in 2013 with an injury. Savage, a Port Gibson alum, was third on the team in 2013 with five stolen bases.

Smith also expects sophomores Philip Lott, Konner Burke, Casey Hurley, and Corey Funk to provide experience and leadership.

Smith assumed his duties after the national signing period started, but he was pleased by the work done by his assistant coaches in gathering recruits in the transition between head coaches. “My assistant coaches, Bryan Nobile and Ryne Tutor, did a great job of holding on to some commitments during the coaching transition and we were able to pick up a few more quality players since I came aboard,” said Smith.

Incoming freshman include Branden Canney of Loyd Star, Stephen Barnett of Terry, Wesley Watts of Northwest Rankin, Jonathen Haydel of Houma Christian (La.), Adrian Brown of McComb, Alex Smith of Wesson, Blake Talbot of Vanderbilt Catholic (La.), Matthew Evans of Brookhaven Academy, Gregory Tierce of Ridgeland, Jeremy Moore of Florence, Stevie Hubbard of Mendenhall, Logan Smith of Loyd Star, Colby Whitfield of Brandon, Steven Chisolm of Magee, Tanner Parvin of Brookhaven Academy, Newt Brown of Gautier, and Shane Brown of Simpson Academy.

“We saw a lot of improvement from our freshmen, especially the pitchers, over the fall. During the fall season I also think we showed that our team speed could be one of our biggest strengths. I want the guys to learn how to compete and have fun and I think we’ve grown up some already in those areas,” said Smith.

First pitch against Mississippi Delta is set for 2 p.m.

2014 Wolfpack Baseball Schedule 

FEBRUARY:  8 – Ms Delta, 2 p.m., 11-at Delgado, 4 p.m., 14-Panola College (TX), 2 p.m., 18-at Ms. Delta, 1 p.m., 23-Kaskaskia College, TBA, 26-Baton Rouge, 3 p.m.,

MARCH:  1-Merdian, 2 p.m., 3-Delgado, 2 p.m., 8-at Baton Rouge, 12 p.m., 9-vs. St. Louis (MO) at Baton Rouge, 3 p.m., 12-Pearl River, 4 p.m., 15-East Central, 2 p.m., 18-at Southwest, 3 p.m., 22-at Hinds, 2 p.m., 26-Ms Gulf Coast, 4 p.m., 29-Northwest, 2 p.m.

APRIL:  1-at Jones Co., 4 p.m., 5-at Pearl River, 2 p.m., 9-at East Central, 3 p.m., 12-Southwest, 2 p.m., 15-Hinds, 4 p.m., 18-at Ms Gulf Coast, 1 p.m., 23-at Northwest, 3 p.m., 26-Jones Co., 2 p.m.

MAY:  2-MACJC State Playoffs, TBA, 8-10-MACJC State Tournament, TBA, 15-17-Region 23 Tournament, TBA, 24-31-NJCAA D2 World Series, Enid OK, TBA.