The final challenge for state titles at Trinity might very well be met this year. The Rocks’ baseball program came close in 1983 and 2002 but fell just short as runners-up. Baseball head coach Steven Tompkins experienced defeat in 2009, when the Rocks reached the Elite Eight before losing. Tompkins said, “We had a great shot. In 2009, it started raining and we got rained out. (All-State player) Corey (Littrell) couldn’t come back for the next game, and the other team’s pitcher was really good.” Tompkins points to a major obstacle in winning a state title – the wide open field. “The hardest thing is no classification system,” Tompkins said. “There’s no A, AA — we’re playing everyone. A kid from X (St. Xavier) at regional (last year) held us in check. We’ve been to the state tournament three times in 10 years, and we haven’t been able to get over that hump.” This year, though, might be the Rocks’ year. Senior Grant Rohleder is optimistic. He said, ” We’re looking solid this year and have high expectations for this season. We return most of our starters from last season and are being joined by a talented junior class.” Tompkins also has a lot of faith in the team this year, saying, “We should have a pretty good team. We have a lot of seniors and a lot of senior leadership – I’m looking forward to that. I think we have a pretty good shot. We have six starters back and a good pitching staff.” Practices have been getting tougher in order to seal the deal for a state title. Tompkins has been working his players extra hard during the conditioning season. “(Strength) coach (Mike) Snyder has been a great asset in the weight room. He’s great for our kids by being sport-specific,” Tompkins said. “There’s nothing to ensure a state championship; we’ll just work hard. Our number-one goal is to strive to make state.” Rohleder recognizes the increased work he and the team have had to put in this year. ” We’ve been underperforming for the last few years, and this year we’re really buckling down with our training. Our minds are set on nothing short of greatness. We’re ready to get the school’s first state title.” There is only one obstacle Rohleder sees, and he is confident that the team can overcome it. “Really, only ourselves,” he said. “We have so many starters coming back this year, and we have so much talent. As long as we stay focused, no one should be able to stand in our way.” The possibility of Trinity’s first state title in baseball appears within reach. Could 2013 be the year? “That’d be unreal to be part of making history like that at Trinity,” Rohleder said. “It would mean the world to me.”