(Underwood) -- Underwood baseball is coming off the program's most successful run ever. And while this year's squad may look different, the hope is that the defending Class 2A state champions can field another successful season. That quest begins Tuesday as the Eagles face Missouri Valley in their season opener. "We're definitely ready," Underwood head coach Andy Vanfossan said. "We had a good spring season. I think this is probably the first time in three or four years that we've been able to actually play all of our games. We ended up with 10. And a lot of kids are getting in at-bats and stuff." The Eagles played for a state title in 2023, losing to Beckman Catholic. They returned every contributor from that team in 2024 and redeemed themselves with a 30-2 record and the program's first-ever state championship. While six seniors from last year's squad have graduated, their recent success has rightfully created excitement heading into this season. "We know what we have coming back, but I would say it's the unknown. We're gonna be in a position where we're gonna have to play some younger kids that I think are ready to step up and contribute. We're really going to have to lean on our upperclassmen to help get through those valleys, which we'll undoubtedly have. But the more we can get them to stay even keel, I think the better off we're gonna be in the long run." The Eagles return one of the state's top two-way players in Iowa commit Garrett Luett. The 2024 KMAland Pitcher of the Year earned that honor after being Underwood's ace with a 0.60 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched. Luett also raked at the plate with a .490/.571/.755 slash with 33 RBI and 17 extra-base hits among his 48 hits. "He's a competitor," Vanfossan said. "He's one of those very few kids that I've been around in my long time that will really work. He does the right things. He says the right things. He treats people with respect. It's really hard for an underclassman not to want to follow him." Vanfossan knows Luett -- an All-State selection last year-- will draw the attention of every opponent, at the plate and on the mound. "He's got to be selective and patient because he's probably not gonna see a lot of pitches," Vanfossan said. "I think he's ready for that challenge. I'm excited to get him going and see what kind of year he can put up." Nick Hackett, Easton Robertson, Ryker Adair and Lucas Bose were in the starting lineup last year, while Tayden Hull, Manuel Rodgers, Connor Brummett and Alexx Cook contributed last year and will likely have an enhanced role this summer. "We're going to suit 14, but we very easily could suit 18 or 19," Vanfossan said. "There's going to be some growing pains. But if they stay the course, hopefully we'll be playing our best ball in the end." Underwood hits the ground running on Tuesday night as they begin a 36-day regular season that features at least 25 games. "You ultimately want to be a top two seed (in your district)," Vanfossan said, "Because instead of winning four games, you have to win three to get where you want to go. But on the other hand, if you follow the process, it's not necessarily that simple, right? You could be 0-8 your first week and catch fire. Now you're a three or four seed, but you're playing better baseball. Playing our best ball at the end is all we can ask. Hopefully, we can get some balls to bounce the right way and make another run." Click below to hear the full interview with Coach Vanfossan.
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