Baseball Preview 2006:
Eagles Legend Begins First Season as Head Coach
By Jon Sladek
A lot has happened in Andy Priola’s life since he prowled the mound at Harrison Field as one of the most dominant pitchers is school history. There was a stint in the minor league system of the Boston Red Sox in which he saved 13 games as the closer for the A-ball affiliate Lowell Spinners. There was also the birth of his son, Ezekiel.
“I got a lot of experience in the baseball world as well as maturity and leadership skills,” he said.
Now, the man who led the Eagles to a school-record 52 wins while being named as a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American and the National Christian College Athletic Association Pitcher of the Year in 2002, has taken over as head coach at his alma mater.
“Last year I was happy to return as an assistant,” Priola said from his office in the Harrison Field press box. “I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time when coach [Brent] Barker moved up to be the athletic director and the head coaching job came open.”
Priola will have his work cut out for him as the Eagles attempt to replace nearly the entire starting rotation from last year’s 35-32 squad. As the only returning pitcher who logged over 30 innings last season, senior Justin Standridge (4-6 3.64) will be relied upon heavily to anchor the rotation.
“Our pitchers are going to have to stay healthy and take care of themselves,” Priola added. “We can’t afford a lot of injuries.” According to the coach, injuries derailed the team last year.
Also returning to the rotation is senior Jeff McCarthy, who was injured for parts of last year. Priola expects him to return to have a big senior season.
Another arm who needs to have an impact is Mr. Everything, Will Cabaniss, who posted a sparkling 1.26 earned run average in over 28 innings of work last season. As the most versatile player on the team, Cabaniss also hit .283 while driving in 15 runs. “He plays a little of everywhere,” said Priola. “He’s a great athlete and should have a big year.”
On the offensive side, senior Nick Stillwagon should give Faulkner fans reasons to cheer, as he returns after leading the Eagles in nearly every offensive category last year including hits (56), homeruns (7) and runs batted in (44). The Biloxi, Miss. native also victimized opposing pitching with a .348 average.
Also returning is junior Jonathan Cagle, who led the team with a .353 average, as well as seniors Jon Musillo, Dustin Carter, John Pradat, Brad Watford, Nolan Williams, and junior Brandon Reed. All of whom contributed heavily in 2005.
Sophomore Jordan Cowart is expected to see significant varsity time in the infield. Freshman Austin Adams, a Millbrook native and graduate of Stanhope Elmore High School, has a chance to play some shortstop in just his first year in the program.
According to coach Priola, a routine lineup will not be set until a few games into the season. “Early on a lot of guys will get a chance to play until we see who is getting the job done and who isn’t,” he explained.
The Eagles opened the season in New Orleans defeating Loyola University 10-5. The following day, however, they dropped two close games of a double-header. Faulkner’s home opener is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11 as the Eagles host Tuskegee University.