A little less than a year ago, Southwestern head baseball coach J.C. Bunch drew a metaphorical line in the sand after a 12-7 loss to Texas Lutheran University dropped the Pirates to 0-6. 

Bunch delivered a simple proclamation, demanding players go all out with every step on the baseball diamond or find themselves off of it. What followed was a stark turnaround to go 19-13 the rest of the way, finishing .500 or better for a third consecutive season, the program's longest stretch since 2003-2005. 

Last season's resurgence resulted from talented young players emerging to claim spots in the starting lineup. 

"It will be my fifth season at Southwestern, which means every player on the roster was recruited by this coaching staff. So, now's when you can start evaluating how you're doing," Bunch says. "Talent-wise, I feel we're as deep as we've been since I've been here, and this is one of the most athletic teams I've ever coached." 

When Southwestern opens its season on Friday against the North Park University Vikings, it's expected to field seven returning starters from last year's team and three of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference's (SCAC) best pitchers. 

Sophomore Maxwell Mims headlines the returning position players. Mims was a revelation last season, winning the SCAC Newcomer of the Year award and finishing as the runner-up for SCAC Player of the Year. The centerfielder from Friendswood, Texas, led Southwestern with a .386 batting average, driving in 38 RBIs and scoring 43 runs with four home runs and 19 stolen bases.

"Max is competitive and the most athletic player in the conference, but he's going to have to learn how to play when people are preparing for him," Bunch says. "He's outstanding. If he's patient, he'll be fine. He's a bit more vocal this year, and any time your best players are vocal, it's always a good thing."

Mims is joined in the outfield by senior Ted Lobkowicz, the Pirates' left-handed leadoff hitter who earned All-SCAC Honorable Mention last season after posting a .417 on-base percentage, hitting .298 with 24 walks, driving in 18 RBIs, and scoring 34 runs. 

"Ted is as steady as it gets. He's going to do exactly what we need him to do in the leadoff spot, which is to get on base. He doesn't swing and miss, and he doesn't chase pitches," Bunch says. "He's awesome in the role we need him in. He's the catalyst to our offense." 

The Pirates return all of their infielders after starting all underclassmen there last season and designated hitter Jake Harris, who earned All-SCAC Honorable Mention in his first season after hitting .325 with 23 RBIs and 21 runs scored. 

Southwestern features a pair of juniors at the corners with third baseman Landon Durdin, who hit .294 with 18 RBIs and 20 runs scored, and first baseman Preston Witt led the team with six home runs, hitting .268 with 29 RBIs. Jacob Tanner took over as starting shortstop last season and hit .288 with 27 runs scored and 33 RBIs. 

"Our biggest strength is we're a very experienced team. We have seven returning starters from last year's team and return three all-conference pitchers, including the second all-region pitcher at Southwestern since 2001," Bunch says. "Any time you have guys with talent and experience, that tends to show itself in the wins column. We have a lot of talent, but we still have to go out and perform." 

The Pirates will have five freshmen competing for and sharing minutes at catcher to replace Montgomery, while a slew of newcomers and returners will vie for a vacated outfield spot.

"We lost a five-year starter and another everyday player, and that's a big void to fill," Bunch says. "We're going to need guys to step up." 

On the mound, the Pirates are led by senior Travis Harvey, an All-SCAC First Team selection who earned All-West Region Third Team honors after compiling a 4-2 record with a 4.64 ERA, striking out 51 hitters in 42.2 innings of work. Ben Ludwig is the second starter in the rotation, earning All-SCAC Second Team after posting a 5-3 record with a 5.81 ERA, striking out 50 in 52.2 innings pitched. 

Last season, reliever Trey Schwarz, a fifth-year senior, was All-SCAC Honorable Mention after posting a 3.96 ERA in 25 innings pitched with two wins and four saves.

"Our pitching staff is led by two seniors in Travis and Ben, who are as good as it gets at our level. They go about their work and handle their business," Bunch declares. "With Trey Schwarz back for a fifth year and a mix of returners and new guys, we're significantly more talented than we've been in the past, but they've still got to figure things out." 

Figuring it out is easier with a roster full of players who've grown into leadership roles. 

"Everyone is 100 percent committed to what we want to do as a program. They accept the expectations of what's an acceptable practice, from the energy level to the focus and effort. Rarely do I have to hold them accountable; they do it themselves," Bunch explains. "It's Max, and it's Preston, it's Jacob, it's Trent Raschke, it's multiple guys. From a coaching standpoint, it's awesome to watch because the best teams are the ones that are player-led."

In his fifth season as head coach, Bunch no longer has to draw a line in the sand because the foundations are much sturdier.