Baseball's seniors unsure of future

Two team captains will leave the UNC baseball team after this season.

Senior infielders Kevin Sandberg and Andy Mees still have six more games to play. But they graduate today.

The question now is what happens after the National Independent Tournament? What are Sandberg and Mees going to do?

"Who knows," Mees said. "Hopefully I can get a chance to play at the next level. That, or get into the real world - maybe find a career."

Sandberg said he's waiting to see how this year's draft will play out.

"We'll see what happens with baseball," he said.

As their tenures at the University of Northern Colorado draw to a close, both Sandberg and Mees can take solace thinking back on the highlights of their college careers.

Both agreed last season's win against No.1 ranked and undefeated Arizona State, as well as the win against Texas A&M and this season's win against Nebraska were their favorite memories. And both said they were happy to be a part of the UNC baseball program.

"I've been here for fours years," Sandberg said. "I've seen the program come a long way, and I'm glad I could be a part of that."

Mees transferred to UNC from Central Arizona Community College in 2007.

"My outlook may be a little different since I've been here for two years," he said. "It's been nice to be a part of the program. I think playing in Colorado is the best for me. It's been nice to be a part of the tradition."

Moreover, the two seniors left their mark. Sandberg was an All-Independent Honorable Mention during his first year at UNC and was named to the All-Independent First Team in 2008. Mees, on the other hand, was an academic all-star, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Both have also taught a few things to the baseball team's newcomers.

"Their work ethic is very good," coach Kevin Smallcomb said. "They work extra hard, and they talk to the younger guys about the stuff they've been through. They're skilled leaders."

All in all, Smallcomb said he was confident in the two seniors' futures.

"I think they'll be successful with whatever they do," he said.