W.T. Woodson head baseball coach Chris Warren isn't worried about making the transition from the Liberty District to Patriot District this season.
He's not changing the way Woodson prepares for its opponents or worried what the school's new rivals think about the baseball team.
Instead, he's focused on molding his players into a better team by capitalizing on the experience they gained in the 2009 season.
"Even though we were a .500 team last year and we lost a few key players, we return a lot of pitching and good position players," he said.
Woodson finished the 2009 season with a 11-13 record and memories of a season riddled with close losses due to team breakdowns.
Now, with the infusion of experience in the bullpen and on the field, Warren said 2010 is looking up.
"It's a good combination," he said. "A lot of guys got a lot of experience last year. Now, we just have to make plays and we have a chance to do OK."
Senior pitcher and outfielder Connor Finnerty acknowledged the importance experience will play in the upcoming season and, as captain, he is looking to guide the team.
"Last year, we only had three seniors," Finnerty said. "We had a lot of juniors and sophomores that got playing time. [The experience] is going to be a big boost to us this season."
While the boost isn't limited to a single position on the team, Warren singled out his bullpen as one group that will reap the benefits.
"Our top four returning pictures are all juniors this year," Warren said.
The Cavaliers' junior class of pitchers includes Joe McGillicuddy, John McGillicuddy, John Brendler and Bryson Hough.
Warren also said the move from the Liberty District is motivating the team.
"The team is hungry to improve upon last year's record, and being in a new district is exciting,” he said. “[The team] wants to try and come out and make a statement."
The Cavs aren’t focused solely on winning their new district, however. Senior infielder Brendan Breslin said his team wants to continue their development.
"We're not thinking about [the district] right now," Breslin said. "We were in a good district before, and we know we're moving into a good one."
With a new district, new season and past experience to lean on, Finnerty said the team is anxious for the season to begin.
"We have momentum coming in," Finnerty said. "We know we're a great team and we can do great things."
The Cavaliers start their 2010 season on March 25, at 6:30 p.m., at T.C. Williams, followed by a spring break tournament at home from March 26-30.