Courtesy Photo Several members of the Alpena High School baseball team are pictured after winning a tournament in Boyne City last month. Pictured left to right are: front: Landen Spomer, Kaleb Donajkowski, Hunter Cohoon, Grant Jarema, Jon Rensberry and Gabe Glawe; back: Head coach Eric MacKenzie, Tucker Bright, Brady Kollen, Caleb McEwen, Jake Zann, Brady Pagels, assistant coach Steve Zann, and assistant coach Scott MacKenzie. Not pictured are Marc Kirchner and Brady Niedzwiecki.

ALPENA — Focusing on team-first baseball has served the Alpena High baseball team pretty well so far this season.

With several weeks still to play, the Wildcats have a 13-5-1 record and caught fire last month, putting together a nine-game winning streak that included a tournament win.

“We’re focusing on team. Winning as a team. Losing as a team. Working as a team,” Alpena first-year coach Eric MacKenzie said. “I’m very happy with the start we’ve had.”

As he steps into his role as Alpena’s new coach, MacKenzie — a 2000 Alpena High graduate and three year varsity baseball player — has a familiar staff around him: Longtime assistant coach Steve Zann and his father, former Alpena baseball coach Scott MacKenzie.

Eric MacKenzie, who succeeded Phil Schultz as Alpena’s coach, was coached in his playing days by Alpena’s last three coaches: Schultz, Scott MacKenzie and Mike Cadarette.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” MacKenzie said of coaching his alma mater. “Dad was a coach here for a number of years. I grew up around the program and I feel very fortunate to be able to coach my alma mater and carry on the tradition that’s here.”

MacKenzie’s roster includes a number of experienced returners and players with lots of versatility. Alpena’s pitching corps includes Kaleb Donajkowski, Caleb McEwen, Jake Zann, Brady Kollen, Brady Pagels, Brady Niedzwiecki, Jon Rensberry and Tucker Bright.

Behind the plate, Rensberry and Grant Jarema are Alpena’s catchers.

The infield mix includes Hunter Cohoon at third base, Pagels at shortstop, Zann at second base and McEwen, Kollen, and Bright among those in the mix at first base. Alpena’s outfield rotation includes Marc Kirschner, Donajkowski, Gabe Glawe, Landen Spomer and Niedzwiecki.

That experience should help the Wildcats as they do their best to challenge for a Big North Conference title. Alpena is 2-2 in conference contests this season with a sweep over Cadillac and a loss and a tie against a strong Traverse City Central squad.

“Our conference is very competitive and we should be able to hold our own,” MacKenzie said. “If we play our game, the way we’re capable of playing, we’ll be just fine throughout the year.”

Time will tell how Alpena’s season ends, but so far MacKenzie has been more than pleased with his team’s effort, noting that the Wildcats have rallied with some late-game comebacks to win some games.

“The boys don’t quit. They stay positive and they’re doing what it takes,” MacKenzie said. “I’m extremely happy with the effort and teamwork we’ve had so far.”