SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

There is a new look to Falcon baseball. Changes, both subtle and distinct, have taken place at the University of Montevallo.

During the past two years, the Falcons have improved from a .500 program to a team that won 36 games and qualified for their first Gulf South Conference Tournament in six seasons. Head coach Greg Goff returns for his third season at UM and will oversee a group mixed with experienced veterans and talented newcomers. Goff has higher expectations for the Falcons of 2006, his second recruiting class.

Four position players and three pitchers return for their senior seasons. Pitchers Josh Davis (4.56, 4-6), Rusty Mask (5.28, 8-5) and John Chamblee (6.44, 3-4) will all compete for starting time.

In the field, catcher Jared Myrick (.318), infielders Dave Nanney (.289) and Aaron Guillot (.282) and outfielder Millard Dawson (.304) return.

Also returning for his third season is junior outfielder Chris Stano (.322), who will be the only three-year letter-winner. This group will be expected to provide the leadership needed to take the Falcons back to postseason play.

&8220;We definitely have more depth this season, especially on the mound,&8221; Goff said. &8220;We will have the opportunity to have fresh arms out there, which will impact us when we get to the conference schedule.&8221;

The 2006 schedule remains challenging, with the Falcons battling several teams that were named in the preseason Top 40.

Defending GSC champion, and NCAA South Central Regional champion Delta State (3) and UM will battle in home-and-home series.

Other top 40 teams include GSC East foes West Alabama (16), North Alabama (19) and West Florida (33) along with two teams, St. Joseph&8217;s (22), and Northwest Missouri (36) that the Falcons will face at home