By Ken Hansard

The Andover Trojans baseball players faced bitter disappointment last season when they endured a walk-off loss to Great Bend in the regional championship. However, senior Joaquin Banuelos, who lists himself as an outfielder, a third baseman, and a pitcher, believes that the motivation from that defeat should pay off in a big way this season. “Some would probably call me crazy, but I would not be surprised if we ended up going 26-0 and winning state. However, realistically I know we will likely deal with adversity, which could cost us some big games.”

Andover seems primed to make a deep run this season, as they return several strong upperclassmen from last season’s squad. Banuelos says, “Our team has all the talent in the world, and it would be sad to see it get wasted. One thing our team lacks is experience at the varsity level. Some younger guys will have to step up.”

The Trojans’ nucleus of seniors, including Banuelos, appear ready to leave their legacy, “I feel the other seniors and I need to be good role models and leaders. I believe my strongest trait is the ability to pick up struggling teammates and let them know that the entire team believes in them.”

Banuelos takes a simple approach to his expectations. “My main goal is simply to help my team win as many baseball games as possible. I just want to have fun this year and enjoy my last season of high school baseball. I want to be able to look back and only think positive things.”

Banuelos was named honorable mention all-league (AVCTL Division II) last season as a pitcher.

Joaquin tentatively plans to attend Wichita State to pursue an engineering career but is leaving his options open for an opportunity to continue his career on the diamond.