The William Jewell College baseball team outlook promises a memorable spring season. It will be the Cards’ last chance to win the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship and qualify for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ National Tournament. The team will also have the largest group of seniors in Coach Mike Stockton’s history at Jewell. As the Cards head into their season they have high hopes and expectations. The Cards are looking especially strong behind the plate with three experienced upper-classmen: Tyler Harrison, Alex Backhaus and Willie Gaball. Harrison, a red-shirt senior, has been the starting catcher for the Cards the past two years. Last year he received honorable mention All-Conference designated hitter honors and is a tremendous leader on the team. Alex Backhaus is a red-shirt sophomore with a great work ethic. Willie Gaball, a transfer from Sacramento, Calif., is also looking strong after an impressive fall season. On the pitching mound, the Cards have a plethora of options. Competing for spots in the rotation are Jeff Neptune, junior transfer from Bartlesville, Okla.; seniors Nick Tweiten, Jamison Miller, Mo Sckaer and Jake Fenwick; and sophomore Drew Mitrisin. The bullpen is also looking strong with seniors Colin Warren and Dakota Bright, and sophomore David Collins. Senior Ben Risters will return as closer from last year. At first base, both Clarke O’Dowd, red-shirt freshman, and Tommy Thornton, junior transfer from Sacramento, Calif., are looking very powerful. Thornton has also shown the ability to hit the clutch. Randy Cruz, senior All-Conference, will play 2nd base for the Cardinals this season. Cruz hit .317 in 2010 and finished tied for the team lead in RBI with 45. David Smith, a junior from Springfield, Mo., and Jason DeMore, a senior from Phoenix, Ariz., will be filling the position of shortstop. In the past few years Smith has grown as a player. DeMore also brings experience as a second team All-Conference honoree last year. DeMore finished tied with Cruz for the team lead in RBI. Playing third base for the Cards will be Jeff Neptune, a junior transfer from Bartlesville, Okla., and Joe Summers, a senior from Denver, Colo. Last year Summers was named honorable mention All-Conference at first base. Overall the infield is looking very strong with all upperclassmen. The team is filled with versatile players that can play multiple positions. The Card’s outfield is also looking very strong. J.P. Bartmess, Freddie Adamson, Kaleb Shaw, Cory Eilers and Tom Herrera have all played significant roles in the past and are competing for spots in the outfield in the upcoming season. The Cards begin their season in Oklahoma at the University of Science and Arts on February 4, 2011.