Every game and play begins from the same point and that's where we'll start our 2008 preview of the UNC Wilmington Seahawks.

While many of the same faces return this season, UNCW has a new face as its pitching coach. Jason Howell joined the Seahawk coaching staff during the summer following a three-year stint at UNC Chapel Hill. Howell, who pitched in the Boston Red Sox organization after a successful collegiate career at Appalachian State and with the Tar Heels, has made an immediate impact on the staff entering the season.

“This year's staff in a good combination of veterans and talented young arms,” said Head Coach Mark Scalf. “Our pitchers will have an opportunity to be at the top of the league if they can compete and gain confidence early.”

Returning for his senior season, and his second as a starter, is Jeff Hatcher. As a junior, Hatcher fashioned a 5-6 mark and his team-leading 3.70 earned run average ranked 10th in the Colonial Athletic Association. Hatcher made 17 appearances, including 13 starts, and hurled a complete game shutout against CAA champion Virginia Commonwealth the opening weekend of conference play. “Jeff is a bulldog competitor who gave us quality starts last season. He pitches to contact and has the ability to get the most out of what he has.”

The Seahawks also return hard-throwing righthander Bradley Holt, who finished with a 5-5 mark as a sophomore. Holt made tremendous strides over the summer pitching in the Northwoods League and continued his progress during the fall. “Brad was our most dominant pitcher in the fall,” said Howell. “He was able to command three pitches in the zone.”

UNCW welcomes back Brett Braxton in 2008 after missing the last month of the 2006 season and the entire 2007 season. “Brett has made strides every time he's taken the mound, quoted Howell. “The more he throws the more his confidence grows.” Before going down with an injury in 2006, Braxton was the Seahawks top starter with a 6-1 mark and 3.38 ERA.

Looking to crack the starting rotation as a sophomore is Seth Frankoff. As a freshman Frankoff made four starts and compiled a mark of 1-1 and an ERA of 5.49. Frankoff earned Colonial Rookie-of-the-Week honors with an eight-strikeout victory over Campbell. Last summer he had the opportunity to pitch for the U.S. National team, coached by Scalf. “Seth was able to carry his experience with Team USA over to the fall and gained the confidence he needs to compete at a higher level,” said Scalf.

Sophomore Kyle Lewis returns to the staff following a red-shirt season in 2007. As a rookie in 2006, the lefthander made 12 appearances and recorded a 3.86 ERA with eight strikeouts in 11.2 innings pitched. “Kyle is a 3-pitch pitcher from the leftside and has a great feel for what he's trying to do,” said Howell.

A strength from which the Seahawks look to draw from this season will be depth in the bullpen. “We feel that if we can get to the later innings with a lead, our bullpen should be able to close it out,” said Scalf. Leading the returning relievers is side-winding Larry Salefsky. The 6-7 righthander tied for the staff lead with 28 appearances and recorded three saves in addition to his 3-2 record. “Larry stepped into a new role last year and performed admirably,” said Scalf. “He's a tough matchup for opposing hitters.”

Joining Salefsky will be sophomore righty Jesse Haney, who appeared in 15 games, primarily in the second half of the season. Haney, who is one of may two-way players on the roster, struck out 17 in 26.1 innings of relief. “Jesse has a live arm and can fill up the strike zone,” said Howell. “He could be a candidate for midweek starts.”