The Wildcats baseball program had a fairly optimistic outcome in the NSIC preseason coaches poll.

The team was pre-ranked eighth, but junior pitcher Eric Browning was selected Preseason Pitcher of the Year.

Browning is a small-town kid from Bancroft and always knew committing to the Wildcats program would be a good career move for him. Last season, Browning went 8-3 in 11 starts with an earned run average (ERA) of 1.93. He also ended the season with 19 consecutive scoreless innings.

Browning knows there are high expectations for him this season, but also knows nothing comes easy.

“I’ve just been working hard as ever,” Browning said. “Just because I had success last season doesn’t mean anything is going to be handed to me this season.”

Browning has goals to place in the top of the conference and gain a spot at regionals. With hard work and a great new head coach, they have a good chance to achieve those goals.

Browning has confidence in his new head coach, Alex Koch, and believes that he can get the Wildcats to where they want to be.

“I feel like the team will have high energy and a never-say-die attitude, that’s just what Coach brings out in us,” Browning said.

He is confident in himself and his team, but the wins column is the only statistic that matters to Browning.

The team is preparing for the season by challenging each other in workouts and staying competitive.

“Pushing each other in workouts makes them seem faster and more fun, and everyone works hard that way,” Browning said.

The Wildcats open their season on Feb. 21 in Wichita.