In this edition we will take a closer look at the CImarron-Memorial Spartans. The Spartans finished 3^rd in. a tough division a year ago behind the eventual state champion. Mike Hubel and his staff enjoyed the fruits of a veteran group in 2018 and will likely lean on a more youthful group for the upcoming season. Cimarron’s youth and lack of experience might be their biggest strength as well as their biggest weakness, only time will tell.

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Team: CImarron-Memorial 

Nickname: Spartans 

NIAA Classification: 4A

League: Mountain Region/Northwest Division

Head Coach: Mike Hubel

2018 Overall Record: 22-13

2018 League Finish: 3rd

2018 1^st place Finish in League: Palo Verde

2018 Postseason Finish: 2-2

Number of Returning Starters: 4

Number of Returning Pitchers: 2

Top Returning Players: ’19 INF/P Zach Culver; ’19 OF/P Jackson Folkman; ’20 2B Andrew Johnson; “21 INF/P Elie Kligman:

College Commits: None

Top 2019 Players: SS/3B Zach Culver; ’19 OF/P Jackson Folkman

Top 2020 Players: 2B Andrew Johnson

Other Players to Watch: ’21 INF/P Elie Kligman;  ’21 RHP/UT Ethan Daniel

2019 Outlook: Head Coach Mike Hubel and the Spartans will be sporting a different look in 2019.  With just 4 returning starters, there are plenty of holes to fill, many of which with budding young Spartans. Cimarron will have to rely heavily on seniors like Zach Culver and Jackson Folkman. Culver will most assuredly be looked upon to pitch and play a position.  He made six appearances last season and should be in the rotation this year.  In addition to time on the mound, Culver will likely hit at the top of the lineup (.372/3/26). In spite of just one appearance on the mound and hitting .385 in limited at bats, Folkman will need to play a more integral role on this year’s club.  A few underclassmen received valuable experience and considerable playing time.  As a result, Cimarron will also rely heavily on sophomore, Elie Kligman. Barring unforeseen circumstance, Kligman (.356/0/11) will be a fixture in the lineup, all be it on the mound or in the field.  He was 2-1 with 11 appearance in 2018. Junior second baseman, Andrew Johnson (.304/0/21), is among the returners Coach Hubel will be counting on to be a staple in the lineup as well.

Many roles are still yet to be filled but Coach Hubel and his staff will work diligently to stabilize the lineup and pitching staff. Keep an eye on ’21 Ethan Daniel. Daniel is a solid athlete and can play several positions as well as pitch. The Spartans will be well coached with an emphasis on the fundamentals Coach Hubel is a proven developer and though it may take some time for all the parts to come together, make no mistake, the Spartans will be looking to make some noise come playoff time.