In the record books

We did our annual strength testing this morning.  A big congratualtions to Connor Lorenzo for setting the new bench press record of 48. He broke the record of ... Connor Lorenzo, 47, set last year. Freshman/sophomore Ryan Carmody just missed the All Time Top 10, but finished second this time with 35 reps.

In the dips category, newcomer Bobby Frantz pumped out 50, good for fourth on the All Time list. Lorenzo's 47 ranked eighth.

John Bennett (as mentioned in Tuesday's entry) moved into fourth place all time with a 5:30 mile. Carmody turned in a 5:33, tieing Dan Greco for sixth in the record books. Gallagher (5:34) also hit the top 10.

Gallagher was the only Devil to finish in the Top 5 in all three categories (pitchers did not bench this year, but we're guessing that did not affect the rankings much). Ian is an Energy Giver, State Champ, Team Captain and X-Man.

Mile re-test is moved to Monday. The Delinquent Milers have been getting in for pre-practice extra work. 

Smoke at your yoke, a pea at the knee

The pitchers threw off the mounds for the first time today. We talked about Old Satch's philosophy from back in the day. Command the fastball. With the 60 degree temperatures, they got in a little outdoor running. Next bullpens are Friday -- we will film the pitchers for the first time.

Today's Hammer went to Jake Nowak. Jake provided a lot of energy and was flying around the gym all practice.

Here is a quick video of yesterday's competition...

A shout out to Al Schoeneck. Al checks in regularly and even helps us out with meals on the road.

Winner!

Due to a bleacher malfunction, the team did not do the mile times until Tuesday. John Bennett was the returnee with one of the top times. His goal was 5:33 and he was the odds-on favorite heading in. He did not disappoint, turning in a 5:30 -- fourth best all time behind legends Trey Johnson (5:05 in 2006; and 5:14 in 2007) and Kyle Adams (5:24 in 2006).

Here is John before the race...

and after the race ...

Today's Hammer went to Brian Sheehan. Bennett failed to get a bunt down and lost the Hammer. Sheehan improved his mile time and did a great job bunting and with the catcher.

A big thanks to all of the Alumni that reminded me of the Phil Gavin conditioning stories this past week!

Opening Morning

The season starts 6 a.m. Monday morning! Here is the Devils' official pre-season video. Enjoy.

Back are seniors Jake Nowak, Brian Sheehan, Dillon Lowe, John Bennett, Ian P. Gallagher, Dan Fetes, Angelo Sciandra, Zach Hugg and Zach Murray. Ther veteran squad also features 13 juniors.

A big welcome to the newest member of the Blue Devils, Bobby Frantz. Bobby played two seasons at Monroe C.C. before transferring in this semester. Bobby was recruited by the Devils out of Webster Thomas H.S. where he was teammates with current FSU sluggers Dan Fetes and Matt Casilio. Bobby is reportedly very eager to get going. He will be gunning for Trey Johnson's six-year old mile record time of 5:05 this week. Good luck, Bobby.