Photo by Sam Thiel Pictured above is the Canby baseball team. Front row (L to R): Ryan Hiedeman, Blake Hiedeman, Colton Reuther, Nick Full, Liam MacArthur, Brodryck Gravdal, Brady Hulzebos, Otto Sik and Austin Toperro. Back row (L to R): Taden Kruse, Blake Regnier, Tyler Hiedeman, Michael Baker, Bobby Barry, Evan Engesmoe, Easton Antony, Rylee Sigler, Tanner Drietz, Kaden Reyerson, Sawyer Drietz, Jordan Ries and Hunter Cleveland.

CANBY — In 2019, the Canby baseball team had an up-and-down season, going 5-7 in the regular season before falling to Yellow Medicine East in the Section 3A tournament. After not being able to play last spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lancers will look to bounce back under coach Nick Kockelman, who took over at the helm last season.

Kockelman said since they didn’t get to play last year, he hasn’t been able to see what his group can bring to the field.

“It is hard to talk about the team as I haven’t seen them play a game or practice outside yet,” Kockelman said. “I know we are a close knit team that is relaxed throughout practice and still able to be focused on whatever we are working on at the time.”

Canby will be led by its four seniors this season in Hunter Cleveland, Tanner Drietz, Kaden Reyerson and Jordan Ries.

During the first couple of weeks of practice, Kockelman said they’ve been working on sharpening their mechanics as well as working on their baserunning and defensive skills.

“We have spent a lot of time fine tuning pitching mechanics with everyone, including those who will not be pitching,” Kockelman said. “Baserunning from all bases and defensive plays have been worked on as we are inside so far this year.”

Going into the season, Kockelman said they will focus on improving each day and is looking forward to being on the field with his team.

“We are going to be patient with how we develop after a long time without the game. Continuing to improve and we will put our best 9 guys on the field at the end of the year and play our best,” Kockelman said. “Playing games and making adjustments and just being outside again with the sights and sounds of baseball.”