The North Allegheny Tigers will open the season with a new, yet familiar, face in the dugout. Head coach Tim Banner has moved on, and former NA assistant and former head coach at Vincentian Andy Maddix will be calling the shots for the Tigers.

"This is the only job I would have left Vincentian for," Maddix said. "Vincentian provided me with an outstanding opportunity and plenty of great experiences, but being a teacher at North Allegheny and having coached here as an assistant for nine years, it was too good an opportunity to pass up."

Maddix said Dave Duffett will start on the left side of the infield and be the anchor for the middle of the lineup. Duffett is being recruited by Bucknell.

Senior right-hander Sam O'Neill will lead the pitching rotation, while fellow senior Dylan Songer will handle the duties behind the plate.

"Dylan provides leadership and a good bat," Maddix said.

Another senior, Mike O'Neill, brings speed and will play in the outfield.

Maddix will also get help from seniors Christian Totera, at second base and Shawn Davis, who will man first base. The outfield will be rounded out by Ryan McCombs and Steve Martinkovich.

Senior pitchers Ron Walk and Alex Reed provide depth to the Tigers pitching staff.

Maddix is also excited about the junior class. Outfielders Jon Wilson and Jackson Boyd have shown signs of being productive and pitchers Mike Zelik and Greg Piehler will also help out.

Brad Comport will see time at first base, Jeff Dassner, at second, and Nick Butterini, at shortstop.

"They will all have a chance to win starting positions and

contribute right away," Maddix said.

Maddix added that the strength of the team will be speed and defense.

"Our goals are to improve individually and as a team every day and to qualify for the playoffs," Maddix said. "If we can get there, anything can happen."

Maddix has made some changes to the program, but said that he would like to keep up the strong tradition set by Banner and his previous staff.