Penn, Princeton are again the class of Gehrig Division

Penn or Princeton? Just when you thought the rivalry was coming to an end, it's time to get geared up again for the race to the top between the Tigers and Quakers. This year the Gehrig Division of the Ivy League may once again come down to the final four games at Bower Field when Penn will host the Tigers. The other two teams in the division, Cornell and Columbia, hope to challenge. The building of the programs may prove to be a couple of years off. "The league is very close as far as the competition is concerned? talk about a league having parody, there is never an easy day or week in this division," Columbia coach Paul Frenandes said. COLUMBIA The Lions look to improve on last year's 13-29 overall record. Their 7-13 record claimed last place in the Gehrig Division. They will need to do something drastic to compete for the top. The squad should be led by the return of catcher Travis Hunter, shortstop Jason Wynn, and righty pitchers Matt Rothfleisch and Eric Rothfield. The Lions hope pitching will be a strength. The offense is yet to be proven and unless Gehrig, the "Columbia Clipper" himself, returns to dawn that beautiful powder blue uniform, the pitching may have to carry them. CORNELL The Big Red have what Penn coach Bob Seddon calls a team that "just gets better every year." Cornell needs to find some pitching depth however, as their returning No. 1 starter, sophomore right-hander Brian Willimason, managed only a 4-4 record and 4.99 ERA. The offense hopes to rise above last year's third place finish as the Big Red return two .300 hitters in their co-captains. Catcher Eric Kirby provided good numbers in 1995 (.346, 35 RBI) but missed last season because of illness. The other captain, junior shortstop Bill Walkenbach provides the experience of a two-time All-Ivy infielder and a .310 batting average. PRINCETON Princeton looks to defend their Gehrig title and once again take the Ancient Eight. "We need to find some offensive thrust, since five of the seniors we lost last year were offensive leaders. But, defensively we should be better," Tigers coach Tom O'Connell said. The Tigers' pitching staff will be led by senior returnee Brian Volpp (5-2, 4.14 ERA) who led the hurlers with his three complete games and two shutouts. The Tigers would like to see junior Ben Smith continue to step in as No. 2, and Joseph Machando and Tim Killgoar to fill out the rest of the rotation. The Princeton offense will be sparked by the leadership of senior first baseman Michael Keck (.328, 36 RBI) and second baseman Gino Barbera (.407, 12 runs). The defensive stability will be aided by the return of junior twin combination Asher and Justin Griffin. The two turned the pivot together for most of the fall season. These two bring speed to the lineup and may force O'Connell to find positions for them if Barbera remains consistent. PENN The Gehrig Division is rounded out by the Quakers. The Penn team looks to rebound from a tough end of the 1996 season that saw the title slip out of its reach after going 13-8 in the league. The 25-7 overall record will be difficult to duplicate as the Quakers lost two key players to the majors. The Ivy League Player of the Year Mike Shannon and offensive threat Mark De Rosa now play in the Phillies and Braves systems, respectively. "Though we lost a lot, I think we may have one of our best freshman classes ever to come in here," Seddon said. The return of juniors Mark Nagata(.308, 17 RBI) and Joe Carlon (.264, 20 RBI) should give the Quakers offensive experience. The pitching will rely on five returning veterans to carry the load. Senior Mike Greenwood (3-3) will hold down one spot in the rotation, and Armen Simonian (5-2, 3.29 ERA, 52 strikeouts) should provide stability in the rotation. "No one will be stronger than us defensively on the infield, even with the loss of De Rosa," Seddon said. The Quakers will need the underclassmen to emerge and contribute as the team will consist of "12 new faces."

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