Heilman ready to heat up in Florida
By NOAH AMSTADTER
Sports Writer
Coming off one of the greatest starts in team history, the Notre Dame baseball team will spend its spring break in sunny Jacksonvile, Fla., as they take part in the Kennel Club Classic.
There is no winner of the tournament, which is comprised mainly of teams from the northern United States.
"The thing that's really nice about the tournament from our standpoint is that you have the opportunity to go to warm weather, play on a beautiful field," said head coach Paul Mainieri, "But you're also playing the majority of your games against other schools from the North that are dealing with the same disadvantages of being at the same stage in their season that we are."
As opposed to all other tournaments, where players and coaches stay together at a hotel, athletes will live with Notre Dame alumni in the area. This lets the players enjoy their spring break while still competing.
"Living in hotels every weekend gets real monotonous," junior shortstop Alec Porzel said. "It's nice not to really have a schedule to follow and just show up at the game and be ready to play each day. Being away from the team and the coaches is real nice."
On Saturday, the Irish participate in two games at Wolfson Park. In the first game, Notre Dame takes on Duquesne.
Duquesne comes off of a 32-24 season in which they finished third in the Atlantic-10 West. Starting the game for the Irish is ace Aaron Heilman, who recorded 12 strikeouts in his last start.
"I got off to a slow start my first two outings, but I felt a lot better this past weekend," Heilman said. "Hopefully things will continue to do well and we'll continue to win."
In the second game, the Irish take on the Chippewas of Central Michigan. Starting the game for the Irish is senior Scott Cavey, who is coming off two dominating wins.
To relieve the stress on sophomore catcher Paul O'Toole, senior Matt Nussbaum will make his second career start behind the plate for the Irish.
"I'm glad that Matt can come in there and catch for us," Mainieri said. "We're going to need to give Paul a rest now and then."
On Sunday, Notre Dame takes on Midwest rival Illinois. Freshman Matt Laird earns the start after an impressive outing against Minnesota last weekend. Illinois is currently ranked as one of the Top 25 teams in the nation.
On Monday, the Irish will face the Osprey of North Florida before taking a day off on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Indiana state rival Butler takes on Notre Dame. The starting pitchers in these games are yet to be determined.
On Thursday, Heilman returns to the mound as Iowa presents his latest challenge. The Hawkeyes finished 10th in the Big Ten last season.
Laird starts against Akron on Friday. Akron recently beat Ohio State, a ranked team that has already defeated the Irish this season.
In the last game in Florida, the Irish once again take on Illinois as Cavey makes his second start.
The Irish will be playing the tournament without the services of senior co-captain Jeff Perconte.
Perconte, who injured his shoulder in Minnesota last weekend, is out indefinitely. Ben Cooke will be the starter at second base.
The first five games of the tournament will be broadcast on WJVA radio in South Bend and are also available on the Internet at www.und.com.
All Sports Stories for Friday, March 10, 2000
