HEADED TO NEW HEIGHTS—Freshman Nick Romero, above, makes contact during batting practice for the Grace Brethren High School varsity baseball team on Wednesday. Below left, sophmore Colby Wolffe fires the ball home from the outfield. Photos by WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers The Lancers shared a league title in 2009.

This spring, they’re starting their season with a renewed sense of optimism.

Grace Brethren High School’s baseball squad graduated three solid seniors from the team that went 17-11, but the group returns an experienced infield, a speedy outfield and several savvy pitchers.

“The guys are pumped up,” said sophomore right fielder Colby Wolffe.

A new coach with a new vision is leading the charge.

For Paul Romero, the Lancers’ first-year head coach, this is a new experience.

The last time Romero coached high school-age players was when he assisted at Cleveland High School in Reseda in the early 1980s.

Before taking the job at Grace Brethren, he coached youth travel teams for many years.

Romero, who played baseball at Cal State Northridge and Pierce College, thinks this Lancers team can reach new heights.

“I’d like our school to improve every year and one day become a baseball powerhouse for small schools, like St. Bonaventure in football,” the skipper said. “Will it happen? We have to take it one day at a time, one game at a time and be positive.”

Exuding buoyant enthusiasm, the coach spoke highly of seniors Nick Schmidt, Chris Meyers and Chad Avena.

“They’re self-motivated,” Romero said of the trio. “They say, ‘Coach, hit me more ground balls.’ I’m excited to have players who love the game and have the ability to play at the next level. They’re all leaders who love the game and work hard.”

Schmidt, a four-year varsity standout, will pitch and play first base.

“This is a younger team,” the senior said. “They’re upbeat and they have lots of energy. We lost a couple of key players, but we gained the talent to go farther than in the past. I’m excited to see what our team can do.”

Grace Brethren shared the Frontier League crown with Santa Paula and Nordhoff in 2009.

Schmidt led the Lancers with 38 RBI, four home runs and 21 doubles last season. He also had a .457 batting average.

The Lancer is part of a strong infield for Grace.

Avena, who played on Royal’s varsity team as a sophomore, will start at shortstop. Jacob Elliott is a two-year starter at third base, and sophomore Jack Gilliland, a standout on the school’s successful 2009 football team, will likely slide in at second base.

“I think we have a good shot of winning league (outright) and going far in the playoffs,” said Avena, who will also pitch.

Due to transfer rules, Avena played on GBHS’ junior varsity team last year.

Elliott, a junior, actually played for Romero three years ago in a 90-team tournament in Cooperstown, N.Y., home of the baseball Hall of Fame.

The third baseman said the Lancers are focusing on doing everything well on the diamond.

“We focus on fundamentals,” Elliott said, “and doing little things right.”

Meyers, who bats in the leadoff slot, anchors the outfield from center field.

He led Grace Brethren with 26 stolen bases and a .479 batting average last year.

The outfielder said Romero has already made his presence felt.

“It’s more intense this year than last year—and that’s a good thing,” Meyers said. “He and the entire coaching staff are trying to get us prepared. We’re running. We’re hitting. We’re fielding. We’re not focused on one thing.

“He’s making sure we’re conditioned and ready for the season.”

Romero said Wolffe has fivetool player potential. Five-tool players hit for average, hit for power, steal bases, possess strong throwing arms and play strong defense.

Angelo Spaccarelli, Scott Torrey, David Rushing, Chad Woodard, Nick Romero, John Sims and Don Carlson are also expected to contribute for Grace Brethren.

If the Lancers have any question marks entering this season, which begins next Fri., March 5 at Channel Islands—it’s at catcher.

Elliott said it could be a “big problem” trying to find a new catcher to replace the graduated Nate Rushing.

The first home game is at 11 a.m. March 6 against Malibu.

Beyond wins and losses, Romero wants the Lancers to develop a bond with each other.

“Team camaraderie is so important for the teams I’ve managed,” Romero said. “Teams spend so much time together, playing catch and talking to each other. I want them to develop their relationships. I’d like the boys to have their personalities blend into the team concept.”