Time for St. Rita to focus on future

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Mike Zunica knows there's no point in looking back, but he can't really help it.

Four days after his Mustangs fell 4-3 to New Trier in their first trip to the state title game, the St. Rita coach was back on the field for a South Suburban Summer League game against visiting Evergreen Park.

Though Rita rolled to an 8-1 win on Wednesday, just playing at all was a victory on a day when most area diamonds were still drying out from Tuesday's downpours.

And getting back in action was the best medicine for what ailed Zunica.

"I'm really struggling with the (Class 4A championship) game we lost at the end there," he said. "Getting out here and playing a game helps a little bit.

"No matter what, it's second place. No matter what, you lost the last time on the field (in the playoffs). ... I know it was a great season, but it doesn't feel like a great season."

If there's any consolation, the Mustangs are well-positioned for another big year in 2010 after going 35-7 this spring. They graduated their top pitcher, 11-game winner Scott Marinier, along with mainstays Dan Dispensa, Justin Kopale and Angelo Burrage.

But Sun-Times Player of the Year Mark Payton, an Arizona State-bound center fielder, returns along with a ridiculously deep pitching staff led by Shane Conlon, Anthony Andres and Joey Filomeno.

"Our staff that's returning is really solid," Zunica said. "It's going to be tough to get the baseball even if you're good. Next year, when you get it, you better do something with it."

Payton and the other Rita veterans didn't play on Wednesday, as Zunica gave them a week off after state "just for a breather."

The players who beat Evergreen Park on Wednesday were auditioning for spots on next spring's team, which already is remarkably set. Spots up for grabs are the left side of the infield and a couple of outfield positions, along with some backup jobs.

The hits were spread around, with Zunica's son Mikey delivering an RBI double. Two other players to watch are third baseman Stefano Belmonte, who showed good power on the sophomore team this spring, and catcher Zach Soria, who was on the Lemont club that advanced to the 2006 Little League World Series.