By Glen Rosales
Special to the SUN

Just a year after resurrecting what had become a moribund program, Mesa Vista High School baseball has significantly expanded its goals.

“Definitely going to state,” Trojans coach Dwayne Epling said of the increased expectations. “There is no doubt in my mind that we can take the district. Make it to state and then see what we can do there.”

That will be a major coup as the team went 1-17 last season. That win against Peñasco High School, however, marked the program’s first since 2015. And Mesa Vista has not reached the state tournament since 2012.

“First and foremost, we have a great group of kids,” Epling said. “A great group of young men. Great athletes. Really good young men, extremely talented at baseball, way beyond what I was thinking they were going to be.”

Last season the Trojans fielded a team with essentially anybody who showed up, several of whom were new to the sport or returning after an extended absence.

Now that the program has re-established itself, some of the school’s higher profile athletes have headed over to the diamond to join the six returning players from a year ago.

“We have some new additions,” Epling said. “Some of them are doing both track and baseball so we have to split practices.”

But the team’s upgrade has been obvious, he said.

“When they are dialed in on offense and defense, it’s something to watch,” he said. “We’re definitely competitive enough to take district, for sure.”

The team this season is built on the foundation of an athletic program that is used to success across most sports and by student athletes who have grown up together in their athletic endeavors.

“The camaraderie between all the guys is amazing,” the coach said. “Each one of them is playing dual sports. They all run track together and the seniors have really stepped up to truly show that they’re meant to be leaders. And that’s a huge influence on the younger players.”

Perhaps the biggest addition — in several ways — is first baseman/pitcher Jordan Gallegos. The 6’6” basketball star decided it was time to turn to baseball when the Trojans’ hoops state championship dreams faded.

“It’s my senior year so I wanted to try it out, I guess,” he said. “I think it’s pretty fun and I think we’ve got a good team this year. We’re pretty competitive with it. We’ll definitely be in some big games in district. Honestly, our goals are to come out first in district and make it to state.”

Shai Romero is a third baseman, catcher and pitcher who transferred from Peñasco and likes the way things are looking at Mesa Vista.

“It’s my senior year, so I wanted to play everything,” he said. “I just want to help the team and I’m trying to help with the little things. But we’re pretty good. I’m kind of surprised how good we are when we all came out and played so I’m excited.”

Senior centerfielder AJ Sandoval, who is a returner from last season and will also pitch, said seeing the improvement in the team has been rewarding.

“It’s grown pretty good,” he said. “I’m surprised, too, at how good we are. I just want to have fun and I want to win.”

Slotting in at second base, sophomore Aaron Chavez is a Manzano transfer who has been opening eyes very quickly. He partners with junior shortstop Hunter Garcia to form a potent double-play keystone combo.

The coach’s son, sophomore Samuel Epling, will catch and play third, while also taking some stints on the mound in his second year.

Junior Ezequiel Nevarez is developing into the staff pitching ace and he’s also a top hitter who can play across the field when not on the hill.

“So our infield, nothing gets past,” Dwayne Epling said. “A ball might drop here or there, but nothing gets past.”

Across the outfield, senior Estevan Peña, who played last year, is a fixture in right field when he’s not pitching, while senior Jaydn Garcia and eighth-grader Zack Gallegos are sharing left field.

Getting the talent transfusion from the basketball players has made a big difference, in the team’s attitude, as well, Dwayne Epling said.

“When you watch all of them together, it’s magic,” he said. “I think that comes from their traditions. They trust each other and they depend on each other. It’s a family.”