The Parkland baseball team will have a whole new look when it opens the season on March 30 at home against Easton.

Not only did the Trojans graduate a ton of major contributors, including Eastern Pennsylvania Conference MVP Chris Rabasco, and All-EPC pitcher Connor Higgins, former head coach Tony Galucy resigned to spend more time with his family.

In steps first-year head coach Kurt Weber (a former Galucy assistant), who will be tasked with fielding a strong, but young team in attempts to defend their EPC and District 11 Class 4A crowns. Parkland finished 2015 at 27-2 overall and 15-1 in the EPC.

“With key spots open because of graduation there are plenty of opportunities for some new players and you can see that they are excited for the challenge,” Weber said. “We have some strong returning pitchers, but a lot are inexperienced.

“There is a desire with this team to not lose anything from what we did last year. They have a strong work ethic and want to get back to the top again.”

There are some proven hitters in the lineup that return. Senior second basemen Tyler Bruno had a .414 batting average as a junior, and fellow senior Andrew Roth hit .379. Sophomore Cullan Wadsworth (.294 average) was also a mainstay in the lineup for the Trojans.

The pitchers that will lead this rotation include juniors Michael Jenkins, Ryan Giovenco, Harsha Bollu, and Matt Mellinger, along with senior Isaac Neal.

“The core of this year’s pitching staff did get some nonleague varsity experience last year,” said Weber. “Although Harsha [Bollu] has been limited due to injury which further creates some opportunities for some new faces.”

Seniors EJ Brandt, Kyle Friebolin and Kyle Novobilski, along with junior Austin Mueller, also return to the lineup for Parkland.

“Although Tony left, the rest of the staff has returned,” Weber said. “We know what it takes to succeed and we are excited to maintain the standard that we established here.”