By Michael Moreci

Being perfect isn’t easy. In fact, it’s nearly impossible. That’s why in the history of Indiana baseball, only three teams have gone undefeated over the course of an entire season: Evansville Memorial in 1978, Brownsburg in 2005, and now Norwell in 2007. 

As difficult as it was for the Knights to go 35-0 and win the class 3A state championship, repeating will be an even greater challenge. 

Norwell returns only four starters from last year’s team. Gone is dominant right-handed pitcher Jarrod Parker, who was selected ninth overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in last year’s MLB draft. Also missing is center fielder Scott Woodward, who is currently patrolling the outfield as a freshman starter for Costal Carolina.

Even with their losses, Norwell coach Kelby Weybright said the Knights haven’t lost any of their swagger.

“We’re always looking to play the best competition,” Weybright said. “We schedule games against the bigger schools so we have the most experience.”

Heading into 2008, Norwell’s cupboard is far from empty. Two of the four starters returning from last season—catcher Rhett Goodmiller and first baseman Ryne Otis (pictured right)—are All-State first-team seniors.  

The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Goodmiller, who is committed to Central Michigan, batted .515 with 10 doubles and 36 RBI.

“We’ve got some young guys who’ll need to step up, and I think they will,” Goodmiller said. “Because of last season, we know every team is going to be coming at us with their best. We’ll be ready.”

In addition to Otis (.547 BA, 1.067 SLG, 8 HR, 40 RBI) and Godmiller, the Knights also have a crop of juniors coming up who, while they didn’t start in 2007, did see significant playing time. LHP-OF Bryce Murphy (2-0, 1.11 ERA, 24 SO, 19 IP) saw some action on the hill as a spot varsity starter; RHP-SS Michael Caley (1-0, 3.00 ERA, 9.33 IP) was used sparingly but should be at the front end of Norwell’s rotation.

Also in the mix will be speedy sophomore outfielder Klay Fiechter, who started for the varsity squad as a freshman last season. He’ll be counted on to reproduce his stellar defense and mature as a hitter.

Senior IF Kody Kumfer, who hit .406 last season in a limited role, will also see some innings.

If there’s one thing Norwell is prepared for is pressure. Last season, the Knights kept their cool despite the mounting expectations.

“The streak was brought up every chance it could, especially towards the end,” Weybright said. “Our kids always took it one game at a time.”

“Our confidence kept building with every game,” Goodmiller said. “We got better once the season went on.”

What helped the Knights maintain their focus was the success most of the players had experienced up until that point. Norwell’s 35-0 mark was a result of progression, not catching lightning in a bottle. In 2005 Norwell went to the semi-states; in 2006 they finished 29-2 but were ousted again in the semi-states. Last season became a matter of determinism.

“After we got beat by Jasper (in 2006), we all wanted to get back to Indy,” Goodmiller said. “We kept working hard, kept pushing hard all through the season. Once we beat Andrean in the semi-states, we knew we would win it all.”