RICHMOND, Ky. - The Eastern Kentucky University baseball team opens its 2000 schedule this weekend with a three-game set with the University of North Carolina-Wilmington which includes a single game Friday at 3:00 p.m. and a doubleheader Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

EKU, who finished 35-25 last season, has six position starters back, including pre-season All-American Lee Chapman at first base; Adam Basil at second base; Kiley Vaughn at shortstop; Jason Sharp at third base; Brad Sizemore in centerfield; and Tom White in leftfield.

"The guys are anxious to get going," said EKU head baseball coach Jim Ward, who is entering his 21^st season of directing the Colonels. "We have had some work outdoors which helps. Most of the guys are healthy, so we should be near full strength."

Ward did note, however, that sophomore righthanded pitcher Spencer Boley is out with shoulder problems. EKU's pitching rotation for this weekend includes senior lefthander Corey Eagle on Friday and sophomore righthanders Chip Albright and Scott Santa in the doubleheader Saturday.

Chapman, a native of Nicholasville, leads Colonel returnees with his .373 batting average with 20 home runs and 71 runs batted in from last season. He was a pre-season third-team Louisville Slugger All-American pick this year by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.

New faces in the lineup include sophomore catcher Mike Schneider and junior Gabe Thomas and freshman Mike Brown who will split time between right field and designated hitter.

"We feel we'll have a competitive team with an ability to score some runs. The key, as it is every year, is how well our pitching staff holds up," said Ward. "Corey (Eagle) is throwing very good and should have a good senior season. It looks like Chip (Albright) has fully recovered from his shoulder surgery and is ready to go."