SLIPPERY ROCK — Coming off the program's first 30-win season since 2009, longtime Slippery Rock University baseball coach Jeff Messer anticipates further improvement.

“I see no reason why we can't be better,” Messer said.

The architect of 839 wins in 27 years — ninth among active NCAA Division II coaches — returns six starters and five of his top pitchers from a year ago.

“Three of those are starting pitchers coming off good years,” Messer said. “Our starting outfield is back, yet all three of those guys are being challenged by transfers this spring.

“We felt like we need a little more offensive punch after last year and I think we've answered those needs.”

The Rock (31-21 last year) is picked to finish third in the PSAC West preseason coaches poll, but did receive two first-place votes. Seton Hill is picked to win the league, followed by Mercyhurst.

Messer's son, Billy, returns as fulltime assistant coach and will coach third base this season. For the first time in his career, Jeff Messer will spend all of his game time in the dugout.

“I'll be sending signals out from there. We're doing things a bit differently this year,” Messer said.

His son is all for it.

“I like coaching third because I'll have a bigger hand in running our offense,” Billy said. “I'll develop as a coach quicker, too.

“Sometimes we'll have a lot of speed in the lineup, sometimes we won't. I'll adjust accordingly.”

The Rock will have an All-America shortstop in the lineup every day in senior Will Kengor. He led the PSAC with a .449 batting average last season, collected 28 RBI and 12 stolen bases.

Other returning starters include catcher-first baseman Kevin Jovanovich (,300 2 HR-25 RBI), third baseman Jake Nogalo (.324 1-22) and outfielders Jake Weibley (.261 3-20), Brandon Myers (.308 2-19) and Graeme Zaparynski (.281 0-18).

Alente Johnson, a speedy transfer from Penn State-Allegheny, Adam Urbania, a junior transfer from Ashland, and Logan Brown, a sophomore transfer from Youngstown State, are pushing to supplant the current Rock outfielders.

“All of those new guys are capable of starting,” Messer said. “Brown may start out as a designated hitter as he's coming off injury. I don't know how well he can throw right now, but he can swing the bat fine.”

Top returning pitchers include Grove City High product Jon Anderson (5-1, 3.82 ERA), Kyle Schneider (5-5, 3.07) and Garret Peterson (3-2, 3.12)

Former closer and North Allegheny graduate Ryan Oglesby, along with 6-foot-6 hurler Geoff Sanner, are healthy this spring after coming off injuries last year.

“Those guys will make an immediate impact, as will freshman Preston Falascino, who threw a couple of no-hitters at Our Lady Sacred Heart last year,” Messer said.

Cam Nocera and Bob Mitcheltree join Billy Messer on the coaching staff.

“I probably could be playing somewhere, independent ball or overseas, but I knew I had no shot at the major leagues and I want to stay in the game as long as I can,” Billy Messer said of his decision to get into coaching.

“There's been little transition necessary for me in joining my father's staff. He's seen me play, I got to see him coach and he's coached me. I know how he likes to run the program.”

Few can argue with SRU's consistency under Messer's guidance.

“That's a staple of his recruiting,” Billy said. “People he brings in know and accept the expectations here and that's to compete for a championship every year.”

The Rock is scheduled to open the season Saturday vs. Walsh in Chillicothe, Ohio.