Many baseball programs would be satisfied with the eight-game turnaround the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse made last season.

However, the Eagles fell short of achieving their ultimate goal -- winning the Northern Division league title.

Returning 15 letterwinners, six position starters, and the top starter and closer on the pitching staff, UW-L appears to be primed to obtain its elusive goal.

"We see ourselves as the team to beat in the Northern Division," said Coach Mike Stuhr. "Last year we had a ways to go, but this season we can make some noise."

To challenge for the Wisconsin State University Conference title, three senior captains--Matt Goebel, Bill McClone and Kelly Olson--need to lead the way. All three return as All-WSUC performers in 1996 and rank among the school's career leaders in batting average, runs batted in and doubles. "They are the backbone of our program, and they have been very important in taking UW-L baseball to a higher level," Stuhr said.

A few question marks remain for the Eagles in 1997, but UW-L should have more pop at the plate and more depth in the lineup than has previous teams.

UW-L will count on junior college transfer Chad Dallman to fill the void left by the graduation of catcher Bob Clement, who received All-WSUC honorable mention last season. Dallman hit .308 at Madison Tech, the Division III junior college national champions. Junior Randy Quade will spell Dallman at catcher when the grueling spring schedule gets tuned up. Freshman Ben Schroeder also provides depth at catcher.

Junior Chad Ducklow received All-WSUC honorable mention in '96 and should again see most of the action at first base. He hit .260 with three home runs and 20 RBI last season.

Sophomore Kevin Connor's range should give him the edge to open the season at second baseman for the Eagles. Freshman Tom Tollefson will gain experience in a back-up role.

Olson has found a home at shortstop after being relocated from third base last season. He hit .336 and belted 12 doubles in '96. Olson ranks in the top 20 in four different UW-L career statistical categories. Red-shirt freshman Mark Jenks should provide depth at shortstop.

Sophomore Rick Bell is the returning starter at third base. The left-hander batted .326 last season and can use the entire field with his stroke. Freshman Jason Skinner may also see time a third.

McClone has been the starting left fielder since he took up residence there two years ago, but playing time this season could be limited due to shoulder surgery. If that's the case, designated hitter Matt Goebel, the school record holder for most hits in a season, will see more action in left field.

Senior Jay Katzenmeyer will control center field. Offensively, He hit .254 in a lead-off role and creates many problems for opponents with his speed. Junior Jason Theobold and Phil Singewald will play reserve roles.

Heavy hitting junior college transfer Chad Manske will likely open the season in right field, but Theobald, Tom Grafenauer and freshman Scott Weifenbach could also see playing time there. Manske is also second on the depth chart at first base.

The depth of the pitching staff should not be a problem. "We have a couple of guys at the top of our pitching staff that rank among the best in the WSUC," said Stuhr.

Sophomore All-WSUC pick Joe Ohm will be the number one pitcher this spring. Ohm led the staff in '96 with a 4-1 record and 3.89 ERA. Besides Ohm, UW-L returns four pitchers to the staff. Jamie Ziembo, Ted Bauer, Cory Anderson and Scott McKenna are all back. The quartet combined to throw 90 innings, compiling a 6-5 record with nine saves and a 5.20 ERA.

Stuhr will also count on the '96 Mississippi Valley Conference prep Player of the Year, Jared Manske, and hard-throwing junior college transfer Jerry DeLong to step in and help the staff. Others looking to provide innings are Kelly O'Dea, Matt Kroening, Tim Sires, Ben Gehde, Singewald and Weifenbach.

"We have some guys with power, but hopefully our pitching and defense will be good enough that we will not have to score 10 runs a game to win," Stuhr said.

With the return of all but three starters and a well-stocked pitching crew, the Eagles look ready to challenge for their goal--a WSUC Championship.