Oakton poised to make another run at national championship
Yet another roster loaded with former area high school standouts has the Oakton Community College baseball team positioned for another banner season.
After opening with a 5-2 win over Harper College under chilly conditions last week, Oakton heads for Orlando, Fla., to play six games this week as the No. 3-ranked team in the NJCAA Division III poll.
"I'm excited to be ranked No. 3," said Bill Fratto, the Owls' veteran head coach. "It's nice to be recognized by people and coaches as being one of the top teams in the country. I love the recognition, but it brings a little bit more pressure. It's just a matter of preparing the guys for what's ahead.
"We have to be ready. We can't just roll out on the field and expect to win. We have to perform day in and day out to live up to that recognition."
Given its recent run of success, Oakton should be more than able to handle the pressures of the season.
Not only did the Owls win their first national championship in 2018, they returned to the NJCAA Division III World Series last season and 2019. The 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19.
"Appearing in another World Series isn't a given," said Fratto, who is in his 17th season as Oakton's head coach. "This year's team has accepted the challenge of carrying the torch and living up to the high standards we've set."
To meet the challenge, Fratto is going to lean on several local talents headed by left fielder Brandon Matias. Last year, the Glenbrook South High School product hit .316 and had 8 home runs and 41 RBI on an Owls team that went 32-21.
"Brandon's a really good player," Fratto said. "Potentially a Division I or Division II recruit. He produced pretty well last season and I'm predicting big things for him this year."
Center fielder Brendan Holloway from Vernon Hills High School is back in the leadoff spot after hitting .291 and scoring 43 runs in 44 games as a freshman.
"He's a guy that makes things go for us," Fratto said.
The starting rotation could be the best Fratto has ever handled as newcomers Aidan Pavoris (Huntley), Sam Arnold (Maine West) and Cole Connor (Prospect) join the Owls.
With a fastball that reaches 93 mph, Pavoris has a chance to be special.
"He's a potential draft pick," Fratto said. "He's good, is going to be one of those guys that is definitely going to get major-league looks and D-I looks."
Starting shortstop Jack Dupuis (Glenbard South) and third baseman Quinn Meier (Glenbrook North) are also back and looking to build off their freshman seasons.
First baseman Aaron Vertuno (Grant), infielder Andrew Rubin (Glenbrook North) and outfielder Connor Theissen (Buffalo Grove) are other local players expected to make an impact.