Feb. 11, 2011

The Air Force Academy baseball team reigns in a new coach, a new vision, and a new attitude in 2011. Under the guidance of new head coach Maj. Mike Kazlausky, the former player and graduate from the Air Force Academy brings with him both perspective and a no-nonsense attitude to the program.

Coach `Kaz' is clear the mission of the program is not just about winning baseball games, but more importantly about building leaders of character. His players are more than what you see on the field, they are this country's next generation of Air Force officers. These cadet players must be able to not only perfect their skills on the baseball field, but balance that with all the rigors of their military and academic responsibilities.

"This year's schedule will be a challenge, but that is exactly what we are preparing these players for," Kazlausky said. "We have a tremendous group of young men who are learning about mental toughness and determination. We want our kids to have fun and recognize that this is one of the greatest opportunities of a lifetime. We want them to experience all of it, and give all they got because they cannot get this time back."

Air Force returns 24 letter winners, including six starters in the field from the 2010 team that went 13-42 overall and 3-20 in Mountain West Conference play. The Falcons return 12 pitchers, with nine having starting pitching experience. Air Force also welcomes 12 talented newcomers to the mix.

Coach Kazlausky took a moment before the start of the season to talk about the 2011 Air Force Falcons.

Can you talk about you staff?
Our entire coaching staff is committed to this program and to these players. If I think of one word to describe our new assistant coaches- it's `energy'. You can feel the energy and it's contagious! Tim Dixon, Toby Bicknell and Mark Crocco are our new assistant coaches. They each bring a unique set of skills and qualities that compliment the entire program. They are here to help these players realize their potential and I see progress each and every day. I am thrilled to have men that believe as I do and that in order to win, you need to think you can. I truly feel that I am blessed with the best coaching staff in the country! They are fulfilling their need to serve our country in a slightly different manner which is to be a great role model, mentor, and coach to these young men who upon graduation will wear our nation's uniform proudly.

In the designated hitter slot, freshman Ryan Kramer gets the early nod and he will also see time in the outfield. Another freshman, Seth Kline, who comes to us from the football team, will also DH for us, in addition to backup catching duties. We also see left-hand pitcher Brad Pingel getting some at bats for us out of the DH spot.

What are your thoughts entering your first year as head coach?
It continues to be a privilege and an honor to be here. I am thrilled to get up and go to work each day around such amazing young men and women we have here at the Academy. The commitment that the cadets at the Academy undertake, along with our fellow cadets at West Point and Annapolis, is bigger than what most kids who they compete against will ever know. It's both a tremendous responsibility and opportunity and I am simply excited and honored to be a part of this program.

Thoughts on the schedule?
Our schedule is definitely a tough one. It's an all Div. I schedule for just the second time in program history. We play some very good non-conference opponents. We know that in order to be competitive in the Mountain West Conference, you have to play quality non-conference games. There are no gimme's on this schedule whatsoever.

What are some of the team goals?
We want to exceed expectations. We know our record has not been great, but we know we have what it takes to make a turn around.

We want to make our conference tournament, which is something we haven't done in years. We also want to bring back the Falcon pride. We need to always battle and be in games until the very last pitch. We're going to play every pitch, every inning like it's our last. We expect that our players will sprint on and off the field. They will sprint out walks, homers, everything. We will play the game very old school. We will play to win!