The Juan Diego Catholic High School baseball team is looking to win the 3A state title for the third year in a row, but the players and coaches know the task will not come easily. “A three-peat would be amazing, and we are going to work hard for that opportunity,” said head coach Troy Davis.

The team captains for this year are Yuto Kata, Kody Davis, Ryan Taylor, and Austin Guertsen.  Davis will return as a three-year starter at short stop. Davis recently signed a letter of intent at the University of Utah and was named Deseret News MVP 2010 and Under Armour Pre-Season All-American.   Kata will also return to second base and has committed to play at Dixie State University next year.

            The team’s overall record last year was 21-4. “We competed and performed at the highest level last season,” said Davis. “Winning a second straight state championship was a huge challenge, and we did what it took to make it happen.”

            Pitching is one of Juan Diego’s strong points.  Davis says Ryan Taylor and Jordan Fruedenberger will return, and should be work horses on the pitcher’s mound this season. Junior lefty Kade Wagner is a crafty pitcher and will be called to the mound as well.  Jayce Jensen, a senior, will contribute on the mound and also see substantial time in the outfield along with Corbin Quintana and Cody Sainsbury.  

 Team members says competing and playing hard night in and night out is what the team needs to do to get themselves back in a position to win the title again. “I just need to do what I need to help my team win, by producing every time I step on the field,” said freshman second baseman Joe Strangard.

            Davis says he is not accepting any excuses. He wants his players to compete at all levels, whether at practice or games, every at-bat, every pitch, and every inning. This season Juan Diego players are keeping their eyes on the prize to get back to the title, but the glory and fame will only come with a lot of effort.