While almost everyone else was on spring break, the Simpson College baseball team was putting in the work both in the Sunshine State and back home.

After going 3-3 in their run down in Florida, the Storm hosted the Wartburg Knights to open up conference play at home.

“We feel like we learned a lot about our team in Florida. There were guys on both sides of the ball that got their first real taste of varsity experience and stepped up for the team,” assistant coach Ryan Willis said. “Ending the trip with a convincing win against SUNY Cobleskill was certainly a highlight with numerous players contributing up and down the lineup.”

Back at McBride Field, the Friday night games on March 21 were the ideal start for the Storm. After a lightning delay, Simpson came out ready to play with senior Trey Castile on the mound.

With Castile allowing no hits for five-straight innings, throwing eight strikeouts and the Storm out-hitting the Knights 12-6, Simpson came out on top, beating Wartburg 7-4.

Some other big players during the game included juniors Ian Baldwin and Sam Campin, who both had two hits, an RBI and crossed the plate. Sophomore Bryson Gibson added two hits and an RBI, while junior Nate Cagley added a double and two RBIs. Finally, sophomore Trenten Kingrey added another two hits and put a run up on the scoreboard for the Storm.

“A goal that has been a thought of mine since before the year even started was to always give 100% effort no matter the opponent, score or number of games. Being able to give my all to the team is something I pride myself in deeply and will continue doing day in and day out,” Kingrey said.

Kingrey led the team in hits on Saturday during the second and third games against the Knights. Although the Storm fell to Wartburg in both games, the players still showed a strong performance during the games at McBride Field.

During the doubleheader, Kingrey totaled four hits, two doubles, two RBIs and added a run to the board. The coaching staff praises Kingrey for being a strong asset to the team, even though it’s only his second season.

“Trenten has grown and matured a ton in his two years at Simpson. He is very competitive and knows what he needs to do to be prepared each day. I’m proud of his readiness and how he has stepped into an increased role,” Willis said.

Kingrey is in the starting lineup and sees action in the outfield.

“We have always had confidence in Trenten from the first day he stepped on campus,” Willis said. “He is a player that has a ton of hits in his swing and has shown that here in the early going. His consistency day in and day out is a big part of why he has been able to have this success for us this year.”

Joining Kingrey’s success at the plate were first-year Matthew Florence and sophomore Drew Carlson. Florence had a double, a triple and three RBIs, while Carlson hit a home run and added two RBIs during the games.

“Being able to play with this group of guys is one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life,” Kingrey said. “Also, being able to make an impact on this team is something special to me. This team has given me endless opportunities, and I can’t wait to continue being a part of it.”

Senior Eli Feekin pitched seven innings for the Storm and had six strikeouts on the mound.

“Having Trey Castile and Eli Feekin leading our pitching staff is huge. Those two guys, along with others, have been through ups and downs and know what it takes to win games and win series in this conference,” Willis said.

These games now begin the Storm’s American Rivers Conference run for the rest of the season, only interrupted by a one-game contest against Cornell College on April 3.

“With conference season starting up, it is crucial to be playing our best baseball this time of the year,” Willis said. “This group has goals of being serious contenders in this very competitive and tough conference. Our team has shown the ability to possess a great competitive spirit and readiness and that is what it will take if we want to achieve our goals in conference play.”

To end March, Simpson travels to Decorah to face Luther College, then to Cedar Rapids for one out of their three-game series against Coe College. After Cornell, Simpson will finish out their games against Coe at home on April 8.