Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 24 Burlington

March 11, 2016

The Wisconsin high school season kicks off on March 29, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on March 21, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.

Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be rolling out team previews of high school teams all across the state and across all classifications, eventually launching our Preseason Power 25.

We have been sending out our annual Preseason Questionnaire to coaches all across the state and as the responses flood in we will bring you a snapshot of what to expect along with top players and keys to success for that particular team. If you don’t see your team’s season preview make sure your head coach fills out his Preseason Questionnaire.

Team: Burlington
Preseason Rank: 24
2015 Record: 13-12
Conference: Southern Lakes
WIAA Division: 1
Head Coach: Scott Staude
Playoff Run: Regionals
2015 Final Rank: Not Ranked

TOP PLAYERS

Name	State	School	Class	Pos	Commitment
Jacob Lindemann	WI	Burlington	2017	RHP	Wichita State
Aaron Mutter	WI	Burlington	2016	RHP	Winona State
Houston Cowan	WI	Burlington	2016	RHP
Tanner Strommen	WI	Burlington	2016	SS	Southwest Minnesota State
Zach Campbell	WI	Burlington	2017	OF
Bryan Sturdevant	WI	Burlington	2016	IF

X-FACTOR
Senior Aaron Mutter is a returning first-team Southern Lakes All-Conference pulling double duties for the Cardinals both on the mound and with the bat. Mutter posted a 3-3 record with a 2.28 ERA and hit .380 in 2015. He will be counted on again to put up similar numbers and lead the staff along with junior Jacob Lindemann and senior Houston Cowan who returns, after missing last season with an injury.

STAT RAT
1.90: The ERA Jacob Lindemann had in his sophomore season for the Demons. Lindemann, a Wichita State recuit, made a velocity jump this winter and showed more feel for his offspeed pitches at the Milwaukee Preseason ID Showcase. He is poised to improve upon last year with a year of varsity experience under his belt.

OUTLOOK
The Demons look to improve upon their 13-12 record from last season and compete with Waterford for the Southern Lakes Title. Pitchers Aaron Mutter, Jacob Lindemann, and Houston Cowan will anchor the pitching staff. Junior Zach Campbell is poised to improve on his sophomore campaign where he started in the outfield. Second team all-conference infielder Bryan Sturdevant hit a team leading .386 last season and will look to lock down the infield with Tanner Strommen who hit .366 last year. In order to make a run in the playoffs the Demons will have to look for more consistency at the plate.

If you are a high school coach and have yet to send in your Preseason Questionnaire please fill one out HERE.