To win with class.

Coach Sean Spoonts, in his sixth year at the helm, said the Warriors will work hard to win on the field, but also to represent their respective communities and schools in exemplary fashion.

"We're going to do things with class, whether we win or lose," Spoonts said. "You're not going to see us walking around slouching or using foul language and throwing things.

"One of the things we've really tried to emphasize this year-and will for as long as I'm coach-is to represent ourselves with class."

That begins at the top. Spoonts will be assisted for the first time by Peabody-Burns coach Jon Richstatter. The two schools have formed a cooperative program for baseball and softball this season.

"Jon will really help us," Spoonts said. "I've coached against Jon for 20 years and he's a great addition to our program."

Seven of the 19 players on the this year's roster are from Peabody-Burns. They and their Marion teammates will try to improve on last year's 7-14 record.

Leading the team will be three seniors: Tyson Heidebrecht, Ryan Gaines and Bryan Swenson.

Gaines and Swenson are from Peabody-Burns, but Spoonts said their leadership roles are on equal terms with Heidebrecht's.

"There is absolutely no animosity on this team," Spoonts said. "The one thing we attacked early on was the team concept and coming together.

"I tried to emphasize we're no longer two schools that have combined. It's now just the Warriors and that's exactly how we all understand it. There's no more separation."

After battling low numbers last season, Spoonts said this was an ideal year to establish the cooperative agreement.

"It was a matter of time before those numbers would be up, even without the cooperative agreement. But it did fall on a good year as far as having the right amount of kids coming in. It seems like the spots we had open they'll be able to step right in and fill.

"Right now our competition in practice is better than it's ever been since I've coached here, and that can only help us," he added. "Being three weeks into the season, this is probably the best start we've ever had in terms of coaching."

Spoonts said the influx of talent has bolstered the quality of his pitching staff to new levels.

"We actually have 11 pitchers this year," Spoonts said. "We have three left handers: Brian Swenson, Tyson Heidebrecht and Todd Woodruff.

"Right now, Swenson has shown the best command of his location and pitches," he added. "Woodruff is just a sophomore, but shows great control as well."

Junior Cody Weerts will also battle for time on the hill.

"After that it's a big jumble in the middle," Spoonts said. "Clayton Garnica and Clinton Jeffrey will also figure in there."

Also battling for time on the mound will be junior Josh Kelsey, sophomore Aaron Burnett and freshmen Zan Fine, Justin Heidebrecht and Calvin Jeffrey.

"We're going to be in an opportunity this year that we'll have starting pitching, middle relief and maybe even closers," Spoonts said. "It's a different scenario than we've ever had before. Our pitchers will be as competitive as we've ever had on the mound."

It's unrealistic to expect all 11 pitchers to see varsity action, but Spoonts said all would get crucial playing time at some level.

"We have some underclassmen that we're looking at for the future," he said. "We have eight junior-varsity games, so those kids will get experience, too."

Adding to the excitement of preseason practices is that all nine starting positions are up for grabs, according to Spoonts.

"We really don't have any of our starters set in stone right now," he said. "My philosophy is that your position is up for grabs from one game to the next and from one practice to the next.

"The main thing is getting your nine best hitters in the right spots on defense," he said. "You want to have the best defense available for whoever's pitching, but you also want the best hitters on the field.

"It won't be a situation where I'll be playing kids just to make people happy-we're going to play to win ball games," he added. "My philosophy has always been, if you can hit we'll try to find a place for you."

The jury is still out on the effectiveness of the Warrior bats, but Spoonts said early signs point to success.

"I do like the way our bats have been going," he said. "We have a little speed and some power, but I think we'll be more of a base-hit type of team.

"Bryan Swenson probably has one of the smoothest swings I've ever seen and, fortunately for us, he'll be on our team this year," Spoonts said. "I would say our hitting has come along very well so far. I've never had a spring where we've had the opportunity to be outdoors this much."

Others who will vie for playing time are: juniors Preston Williams, David Deforest and Derek Benson; sophomores Josh Johnson, Clay Riggs and Chase Williams; and freshman Aaron Makovec.

"This group of kids has the attitude that they want to get better and succeed-and they deserve success," he said. "All the kids feel that way, so it's just a pleasure to coach them.

Spoonts said he's been focusing on motivation this spring.

"I've always tried to work hard on fundamentals, but setting goals, working on intrinsic motivation from the inside and trying to get to know the kids on an individual basis are things I've really worked on this spring. I think it's paying dividends."

Spoonts said playing in the Mid-Central Activities Association for the first year means his team will catch no breaks in the schedule.

"I don't think there's an easy team in this league," he said. "Every single game we play will be a situation where we need to compete and get better."

Spoonts looks for Haven, Nickerson, Smoky Valley, Wichita Collegiate and Lyons to be the preseason favorites in the MCAA.

"Hillsboro has been good in the past too, and I think (first-year coach) Tyler Marsh will do a great job with those kids," Spoonts said.

Come post-season play, the Warriors will find themselves in new company.

"Because of the cooperative agreement, we'll be a (Class) 4A school, but I contend that the 3A (playoffs) we've been in were just as tough.

"But our goal is to win the league, make it to state and win it all. It's that simple."

The Warriors begin their march toward that goal when they open the season April 1 with a doubleheader at Haven starting at 4:30 p.m.