When it comes to the Albert Lea Union Center 12-and-under traveling baseball team, coach Jack Rovang can’t help but think about next year.

This year?

When he thinks about that, he probably has to smile.

The 2004 Union Center squad had one of the most successful summers in local youth baseball history, finishing with a win-loss record of 35-5. The boys took the championship in four tournaments, placed third in another and finished third in the MBT state tournament with their only loss to eventual champion Lakeville.

The Union Center crew is the first Albert Lea team to win 30 or more games in one season and the first traveling team to place in a state tournament.

“This team loved to practice,” said Rovang. “They played hard during every game, and they came from behind to win many games.”

And, with eight players eligible to return next year, the 2005 season looks very promising.

This year’s team included 12-year-olds Brock Casterton, infield; Kyle Kriewall, outfield; Colby Strilaeff, pitcher/infield; Jordan Cooper, pitcher/outfield/infield; and Luke Grossman, outfield/infield. The 11-year-olds were Carter Kortan, infield/pitcher; Conner Kortan, catcher/outfield; Aaron Klatt, pitcher/infield; Cory Hansen, outfield/infield; Cole Sorenson, outfield/infield/pitcher; Dillon Stolt, outfield/catcher; Nick Dulas, infield/catcher; and Ryan Gunderson, outfield/pitcher. Kyle Kriewall was the bat boy.

Rovang was assisted by coaches Dave Klatt, Jack Kortan, Chuck Cooper and Jon Hansen.

“All four coaches did a great job with this team,” said Rovang, who also thanked team moms Sue Kortan, Vicki Hansen and Sandy Sorenson for their efforts with the concession stand.