By Brandon Petersen

It's been an offseason of the change for the Westcliff Baseball program.

Former skipper Dave Shermet was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director of Westcliff Player Personnel, and former pitching coach Dylan Hoffman was promoted to head coach. 

The Warriors also graduated a hefty sum of highlight players, including reigning Cal Pac MVP and NAIA All American, Uly Duran. 

While others, like reliever Julian Tristan, departed to pursue professional baseball opportunities. 

Although much has changed, much remains the same. 

Hoffman has kept intact his coaching staff with assistants Drake Hoffman and Kyle Froom remaining in the dugout. While Shermet's absence will be felt, the fun-loving, team-oriented culture of the club should remain intact. 

Helping that effort will be captains Eddie Rivero, Eddie Vokes and Ray Moore Jr., as well as ace Eddie Rios, and slugger DH Caleb Castanchoa, all pivotal players from last year's record-breaking club who make their return. 

Speaking of returns, when Hoffman steps on the field Friday at Amerige Park, it will be a happy homecoming for the Warriors' new skipper. 

Hoffman pitched for Hope International in the NAIA World Series. He remembers those years fondly, and considers Amerige Park one of the best fields in the NAIA. 

He'll no doubt greet more than a few familiar faces Friday in Fullerton.  

"It's a special feeling being able to have my first game as a head coach against my old team," Hoffman said. "Royals head coach Larry Mahoney and the rest of his coaching staff (all know Hoffman). My first college head coach "Ziggy," is also on their staff. He played a big part in my playing career."

Hoffman says he has coached a number of Royals in summer ball and is excited to see their growth as student athletes first-hand. 

"This is going to be a great series to start our season," Hoffman said. "Hope has a solid coaching staff and great talent year in and year out. 

"We are excited and eager for the challenge."

Hoffman has said his transition to head coach has been easy, and the truth is, Hoffman was Shermet's right-hand man last season, with many decisions already flowing through the young coach.

Despite his age, Hoffman has been in the program for years, with many of the same players who came in around the same time he did. 

Hoffman says there has always existed a mutual respect, especially with those longer term players — players he is now tasked to lead in their potential or actual final go-arounds. 

"Eddie Rivero is a true leader and competitor who inspires every one of his teammates on and off the field," Hoffman said. "Ray Moore Jr. is a veteran who has been with us since the very start and helped build the foundation. Eddie Vokes is entering his senior year very hungry to win. He's a true leader by example."

Vokes is this year's version of Desi Garcia, a calming presence, both in relief, and in the dugout. 

It will be an experienced mound for the Warriors, with two more veterans who are used to collecting wins to return. 

Rios and Kyle Douphner were both huge reasons why the Warriors were so successful a year ago. Hoffman will rely on their steady presences to eat up a ton of innings, especially early in the season. 

The Warriors have a haul of new arms to help figure out the back end of the rotation, and re-energize a bullpen that will need it after the departure of Tristan. 

Ben Weller returns, which helps that cause substantially. Weller may not toss in the 90s, but he is experienced, has good stuff and is used to coming up clutch in pressure situations. 

On the offensive end, the Warriors will have a number of fresh faces in the outfield.

"Drew Barrett (a freshman from Lake Forest) is already becoming a very big piece for this team in his first year as a Warrior," Hoffman said. 

The infield, meanwhile, will be well stocked with familiar faces, with Moore typically at third, and LF Daniel Esqueda there if need be. Zane Parmenter, the fall World Series MVP, returns at short with DP combo Rivero at second. Castanchoa can play first in a pinch, but he'll likely fill out the DH spot. 

The rotation will be handled  by a fresh group of catchers led by returner Ryan Naranjo, who doubles as a great culture guy in the dugout. 

The Warriors play hard, but loose, emphasizing fun as they rack up Hs and Ks. 

Although Hoffman says the Warriors will be playing a new style under his leadership, not much will change in how they approach the game. 

"We are a family here," Hoffman said. "We are building a championship culture through attitude, performance and effort on the field and in the classroom. 

"We have a bunch of hard-working individuals who put their personal goals aside for the team goal. We play with a ton of energy and have a great balance between having fun and being professional. 

"This will be a fun year for Warriors baseball."

The Dubs and Hoffman return to Amerige Park in Fullerton for a double-dip Friday. 

First game is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Although he has yet to announce starters, look for Hoffman to give Rios the nod in Game 1, with Doughner to follow in the nightcap. 

To contact Brandon Petersen, e-mail brandonpetersen@westcliff.edu.