VYPE's Preseason Baseball Top 20 -- No. 13 St. Thomas Eagles

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No. 13

St. Thomas Eagles

Back-to-Back Not Good Enough

TAPPS State Champs

By Matt Malatesta

The St. Thomas Eagles are coming off of back-to-back TAPPS state championships under the direction of coach Craig Biggio.

"Winning one championship was amazing and the second was incredible," Biggio said. "Houston is loaded with tremendous talent, so we are going to see how it goes this season. Our success says a lot about our kids and their work ethic."

Back for Biggio are a trio of pitchers with significant experience. TCU-commit Austin Fairchild returns with his big lefty arm, along with Penn-commit Brian Schwarzbach, who will be a three-year starter. Sophomore Michael Rodgers pitched in the championship game as a freshman and will be a big-time prospect in three years.

"With the new bat regulations, pitching should dominate the hitters," Biggio said. "It's going to be a drastic change and teams will have to make adjustments."

Managing the staff is one of the best catchers in the country in Hunter Kopycyinski, who has signed with Rice. The four-year starter is a tremendous receiver and his offense has improved to boot.

Cavin Biggio will move to second base while Justin Sebo will play shortstop. Ryan Olive will anchor the outfield. Biggio, who was the team's co-MVP a year ago, will be deciding between Notre Dame, LSU, Stanford and Vandy among others to play his college ball.