Hard work was the focal point for the Moraine Valley Community College baseball team in the preseason, and it led them all the way to the playoffs with some highlights along the way.
By all accounts, the Cyclones experienced loads of success this year. They nearly tripled the number of wins over last season and amassed more victories this year than any other since 2007, surprising several impressive foes. Even heading into the final game, the Cyclones were growing confident in their abilities to compete with anyone. And Head Coach Tyler Zunkel isn’t done yet.
“Overall, I’m happy. Me and the coaching staff did a good job in our first year getting things in place. We could’ve won more games, but it was a good starting point,” he said. “I’m happy with how we did and the success, but we’re not done. I want a winning season. I can’t be content.”
Zunkel took over at the end of last season, bringing a new style of coaching and a youthful exuberance to a program that had some rough years. He built a tough schedule, challenging his players to face more talented and nationally ranked teams; and they reveled in it. The team focused on playing small ball and being aggressive on the base paths. Zunkel instilled grit and hard work from the start, and he was confident he could outcoach some teams at pivotal moments. It all paid off.
During spring training, the Cyclones battled with a nationally ranked Kirkwood Community College, leading most of the game but losing by one run. Then just before playoffs, they swept another nationally ranked team in Rock Valley College. They reached the Region 4 semifinals, nearly defeating Milwaukee Area Technical College. Overall, the Cyclones finished with a 26-30 record and went 6-8 in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference for fourth place – big improvements from last season.
“The guys realized they could do this. Even going into the playoffs, it was good to have that momentum,” Zunkel noted. “There were a couple of close games where we turned some heads, and we’re hoping for more of that next year.”
Helping turn those heads was a collection of new and familiar faces. Freshman outfielder Andrew Phelan (Lemont) and transfer infielder Alejandro Munoz (Evergreen Park) were the top hitters. “They were the heartbeat of the team. When they didn’t do well, the team didn’t,” Zunkel said.
Phelan was leadoff batter, averaging .377 with 69 hits, 27 RBIs, 14 doubles and a Cyclones record 38 stolen bases, good enough to rank him No. 20 in NJCAA Division II. He finished the season with All-Region second team and All-Conference first team honors. Munoz averaged .387 at the plate with 75 hits, 42 RBIs and 15 doubles, earning him All-Conference honorable mention.
Transfer infielder Timothy O’Connell (St. Rita) was another big part of the offense in the No. 2 or 3 spot in the lineup all season, earning All-Conference honorable mention. Sophomore Ryder Johnson (St. Rita) was the everyday centerfielder, sacrificing himself to track down any balls in the outfield and keeping the Cyclones alive in many games. Transfer pitchers Lucas Hicks (Westmont) and Joshua Keller (Plainfield East) stepped up when needed on the mound, especially mid-season. Keller was relied upon heavily down the stretch. Sophomore outfielder Christian Rosales (Richards) was a dedicated two-year member of the Cyclones squad and a vocal leader, keeping spirits up even when he wasn’t having the best game, according to Zunkel. Caston Norris (Morris) was another all-around transfer player who came through in some clutch situations and became the starting shortstop, garnering All-Conference honorable mention.
Looking ahead, Zunkel has more than 10 recruits (for now) set to compete for the Cyclones, including some talented pitchers. The team will have a new pitching program to strengthen arms and will practice small ball and smoother fielding in the fall. The coaches have a summer workout program for returners and newcomers, all of whom will play summer baseball.
Over the next few months, Zunkel won’t be sitting still. He plans to be on campus, working to continue building a successful program.
“Hard work is what it’s all about, that’s what we preach. I’m giving it all we’ve got, but it’s worth it,” Zunkel explained. “I want to start a dynasty here and be a force to be reckoned with. I want to build a powerhouse, and I won’t stop until we are one in the region. This is only the start. It was year one for me, and I’m excited to keep building.”
For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
