The University of Montana Grizzlies Baseball club concluded their fall season in Cheney, WA. The eagles did manage to tag the Grizzlies with their first loss of the Fall Season but the club is confident heading into winter workouts. Montana has 14 Freshman who will have to step up and take on some major roles as the Grizzlies look to get back into the No-Pac Regional and make school history. The Grizzlies finished their fall season 7-1 while outscoring their opposition 94-19 in 8 games. "We had a very productive fall hitting the ball, but we have to drill down the fundamentals over the winter so we can see a cary-over into our Spring Season. We have a lot of work to do to acomplish our goals this season, but I'm pleased with where were at heading into our long winter break," says 3rd year skipper Ryan Sharkey.

The Grizzlies have had a limited amount of Practice time indoors due to facility options on campus. Sharkey has expressed his thoughts on the matter, "Our biggest obstacle right now is finding a facility we have access to daily. Meeting a couple times a week around class schedules is just not going to cut it." The Grizzlies are looking to find a permanant indoor facility they can use in the evenings but as of now are stuck at the Schryber gym just 3 days a week.

Players to Watch in 2012:

Montana has several players who are looking to have big seasons in 2012, but none bigger than Senior John White. John has been an instrumental in the progression of Griz Baseball. He currently holds 7 all time Grizzly Baseball records and none biger than career wins. John has won 18 games as a starting pitcher and recoreded combined ERA of 2.45 over 3 years. Second year first baseman Grant Wise lead the team in Homeruns in the fall with 4 HRs and RBIs with 21. Wise is looking to earn a full-time DH role and contribue defensively at first base as well. Senior captain Kyle Amundson who currently holds the record career batting average at .391 and 406 PAs is looking to end his Griz Baseball season on top. I have very high expectations for myself and the team. I want improve my hitting and fielding marks from last year, as well as bring strong leadership qualities to the team" says Kyle Amundson. The Grizzlies also have two starting pitchers both on the rebound from post season surgery, Charles Churchill and Michael Albert who combined for 7 of Montana's 12 conference wins in 2011. Cody Anderson will be making his final strides in 2012 as well and looking to do so in a big way. Anderson had several big moments last year and none bigger than his walk-off homerun off Utah State's Ryan Doyle which would turn out to be a pivotal win and a huge swing in momentum in the conference standings. Anderson battled a mid season illness in 2011 and still manged to knock across 16 conference RBIs. First basemen Nick Hergeshemier will also be making his final run as a Griz. Nick holds the on base percentage record that may never be broken and posted a .420 slugging percentage with runners in scoring position in 2011. Junior catcher Tyler Campbell also made personal strides last season finishing with a .360 average and played exceptional behind the plate all year.

Freshman watch: Montana has a solid group of freshmen who are looking to make a name for themselves in 2012. Catcher Emmitt Stangel of Coeur D'Alene Idaho will see a lot of action behind the dish as well as 3rd base this season. Boise product Jordan Feeney will also see the field at multiple positions this spring. He brings a solid arm off the mound and may roam the outfield when not on the bump. Ryan Russell a tall RHP will also help the Griz on the mound as well as some action at 1st base. Russell recorded two wins for the Griz this fall.

Next Up: Montana VS TBA

First Pitch: TBA

Location: TBA