Coach Bob Amalia is usually cautiously optimistic when talking about the Blackhawk High School baseball team at this time of year.

That's because the Cougars haven't been outdoors much and Amalia learned a long time ago there is a big difference between players looking good in the gym and doing well in the great outdoors.

Still, there was a hint of excitement in Amalia's voice. That could mean trouble for the other teams in WPIAL Section 1-AAA in particular and Class AAA in general.

Blackhawk came on strong the second half of last season and went to the WPIAL Class AAA final, where it lost, 6-3, to West Allegheny, and to the PIAA semifinals, where it lost to Punxsutawney.

To say Blackhawk has been a force in recent years is an understatement. In 2003, the Cougars were the WPIAL Class AA runners-up and a PIAA quarterfinalist. In 2004, they were the WPIAL Class AA champions. In 2005 and '06, they were in the WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals.

The Cougars expect to contend for a title.

Returning from last year's squad are five starters and another player who saw plenty of action.

"We've been outside some, but it's hard to get a good feeling about things until we get a couple games in," Amalia said.

"We hit against live pitching inside, but that's different from going against live pitching outside. So, it's hard to judge where we are until we get outside for a while."

Fair enough, but Blackhawk does have a solid nucleus returning.

It starts with right-handed pitcher Nick McCowin, who was 5-1 last spring and is headed for Slippery Rock University. He was the Cougars top pitcher in 2007.

There is also Ryan Verlihay, a senior, who does a little bit of everything. He will probably be the team's top catcher, could also be the designated hitter and could develop into the Cougars' closer.

Cam Davies, a 6-foot-3 senior, will again be at first base with senior Tim Lipp at shortstop and junior Austin Wulf, who played the outfield last year, at second base. Senior Garrett Sieger will be in the outfield and should see time on the mound.

Junior Matt Royal will probably end up at third base with Tyler Nalesnik and Kyle Starkey in the outfield. Sophomore Greg Weatherly is another outfield candidate and could also do some catching. Paul Kessler, a junior, is another catcher who hopes to see varsity action.

"We have a lot of guys who have been in big games between last season and the Beaver County [American Legion] championships in the summer," said Amalia, who also manages the Blackhawk American Legion team that went 22-8 last summer. "We still have some holes to fill, but we've got some good candidates.

"The thing I like is that we have pretty good team chemistry. We have guys with experience from playing in the WPIAL [final], PIAA and the [American Legion] regional tournament in the summer."

Pitchers Ben Borkovich, Derek Di- Ruscia and Mario Signore graduated last June, which means Amalia has a need in that area. So far, he has liked what he has seen of left-handers Mike Pearson and Ben Rawding. Both were on the junior varsity last season and Pearson could end up starting in the outfield.

"We still aren't set and probably won't be for a while," Amalia said. "Defensively, I think we have a chance to be outstanding, if things work out. I think our pitching will be good. Right now what concerns me is our hitting, but that's always the way it is.

"I think the top part of the lineup will be fine. It's the bottom part I'm worried about and that won't change until we play some games."

Blackhawk had a couple non-section games scheduled for this week and opens the section season Wednesday at New Castle.

Amalia sees Hampton, which finished tied with Blackhawk in the section standings last year but defeated the Cougars twice, as the team to beat along with defending section champion New Castle.

"Hampton has both of its top pitchers back in [Cory] McGinnis and [Jason] Steen, so they should be very good," he said. "Plus, New Castle has a number of its guys back. Really, the section will be as tough as ever."

Other teams in the section include Ambridge Area, Highlands, Mars Area and Knoch.Blackhawk players are in demand

There are some statistics coaches like to talk about and Blackhawk High baseball coach Bob Amalia is no exception.

He is proud of his team's records over the years, but what he is most proud of is the number 15. That's how many Blackhawk graduates are playing baseball at the college or junior college level, according to West Penn Baseball Prospects.

In nine years, 20 Blackhawk players have gone on to play college ball. Tim Lipp, a senior shortstop on this year's team, has committeed to Gannon University for next season and pitcher Nick McCowin is headed to Slippery Rock University.

With 15 former players on college teams, Blackhawk leads all WPIAL Class AAA schools in that statistic. New Castle is next with 10.

In the WPIAL overall, only Baldwin (17), Central Catholic (16), North Allegheny (16) and Connellsville (15) have as many or more players than Blackhawk in the college ranks.

-- By Rich Emert