JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Jan. 16, 2007) - The 2007 edition of the ETSU baseball squad took to the practice field for the first time Monday afternoon, starting training for the season opener against The Citadel in just 24 days.  Head coach Tony Skole and his staff is looking to build on the momentum gained from last season's unprecedented run to the conference tournament finals.

"It was nice to be back on the field again and I was very pleased with our team today," said Skole.  "For our first day out, it was very productive.  There seems to be a lot of retention and our players were in very good spirits, with a lot of energy." 

The Bucs have posted back-to-back 30-win seasons for just the second-time in school history, but must replace a wealth of talent around the diamond after the departure of nine players from last season, including a school record five draft picks.

Gone is the Bucs career hits leader Shane Byrne, a 25^th round selection by the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Also leaving a hole in the Bucs' potent offensive attack are the exits of Stephen Douglas and Chuck Hargis; both selected by the Cleveland Indians.

Two four-year performers are missing from the pitching staff as well, with three-year ace Jeremy Hall and senior closer Steven Calicutt selected by the Florida Marlins and San Francisco Giants, respectively.

A number of newcomers will be called on to fill the void left in the Bucs lineup, and all will have to get up to speed quickly, as ETSU opens its season February 9 in Charleston, S.C.

"With only 24 days to prepare before our first game, we must take advantage of every practice opportunity," said Skole.  "We still have a long way to go, but I'm very excited about this group."

Check back at ETSUBucs.com for regular updates on the Baseball Bucs preparations for the 2007 season.