By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Stu Panasuk and his Millis High baseball team aren’t unique, but they sure are resilient.

Last year, his first season as the Mohawks’ varsity coach, didn’t unfold the way he expected, but he and his players turned a negative situation into a positive ending.

The situation could also be labeled “amazing or unbelievable.’’ Here’s what occurred:

The baseball squad finished its season winless at 0-18, playing mostly against the powerful teams in the Tri Valley League. But, because of the new tournament format where teams are ranked and chosen based on strength of schedule and margin of defeat, the Mohawks amazingly were seeded No. 26 in the Division 5 playoffs.

When they faced Nashoba Valley Tech (seeded 39th), they won, 6-5, thanks to a two-run single in the bottom of the seventh inning. Next up was No. 10 seed Bourne. In the sixth inning, with Millis striving to continue its David vs. Goliath approach, it trailed 2-0. But Bourne flexed its muscles and rolled to a 10-0 triumph.

The loss ended the Mohawks’ brief tourney experience, but their season was one for the Mass. Interscholastic Athletic Association’s history books.

“We were competitive in about 13 of our losses and had only five blowouts,’’ Panasuk recalled. “There were a few games where we could have won but we fell apart in the later innings. We were always overmatched because we had nine freshmen (six of whom were starters), three juniors and two sophomores.’’

To Panasuk’s credit, he kept the team together and managed to get them ready to compete day in and day out. “We lost only one player who quit at the start of the season,’’ he said. “After a loss to Norton, the Lancers’ coach said: ‘Great job for keeping the team intact.’ For the most part, teams in the TVL were respectful. Our kids weren’t ridiculed.’’

Millis earned points for its rank and tourney berth by playing competitive games against top-notch teams. “Our losses to Norwood (5-2) and Westwood (11-7) were like victories in the ranking system,’’ Panasuk noted.

Now that the Mohawks’ second season with Panasuk is underway, the coach, who directed Millis’ jayvees for seven years, doesn’t see any signs of his players going through the motions with an eye towards another surprising tourney invitation.

“I’m not worried about any complacency,” he emphasized. “The kids give their best. The competitive fire is still burning bright with our group. They want to win and they’re not quitters.’’

This year’s contingent is older and Panasuk admires their grit. “No one graduated so we’ve got some experience,’’ he offered. “The returnees have a strong work ethic, they’re coachable and our team chemistry is good. They’re all on the same page and they support one another.’’

Panasuk has three goals this season. “We want to improve as the season moves along, continue to give 100 percent, and develop some momentum (victories) as the tourney approaches,’’ he said. “Our hitting needs to improve and we have to shore up our defense in some spots.’’ 

At Local Town Pages’ deadline, Millis was 1-5 after six games. They beat Dedham and lost to Oxford, Medway, Norton in extra innings, Dover-Sherborn and Weston. “The win over Dedham was bittersweet,’’ Panasuk said. “We finally got a regular-season victory but there’s five losses to go with the triumph. We’re hoping for a turn-around.’’

The Mohawks started the season with a key player on the injured list. Nick Hill, a junior who can hit and was slated to be the No. 2 pitcher, is dealing with a knee injury. “Nick could be out for the entire season,’’ said Panasuk.  

Millis’ captains are all seniors who Panasuk says “lead by example on and off the field.’’ They are pitcher-infielder Jack Catalano, centerfielder John Orrico, and shortstop Shea Ferrantino.

“Jack, who throws a fastball, change-up and a curve, is our No. 1 starter,’’ Panasuk said. “A hard-nose competitor who gives 100 percent, Jack got the win over Dedham. He’s also a quality fielder. John is fabulous on defense, always getting a good jump on the ball. His arm strength is top-notch. Shea is a solid fielder. As our leadoff hitter, he’s our table-setter.’’

Panasuk is optimistic that four of last year’s nine freshmen will play key roles in their sophomore campaigns. They include pitcher-third baseman Talon Sheppardson, pitcher-outfielder Nick Hohman, catcher-pitcher Andrew Morse, and catcher Aidan Sugrue.

“Talon is our No. 2 pitcher,’’ Panasuk said. “He throws a good fastball and his control is fine. He’s also an outstanding hitter. Nick’s arm is strong and he can be a dependable pitcher. He got the save in the Dedham game. Nick is fast in the outfield, solid on defense and also a capable hitter. 

“Andrew is a catcher who sees action on the mound and in the outfield. He didn’t pitch last year but he could be a starter. A team-first kid, he’ll play where needed. Aidan is a hard-nose competitor. His arm is strong, he’s got quick feet and he does a good job as a hitter.’’

Sophomore first baseman Kelan Riggs is adjusting well in his second season. “Kelan, who’s a good fielder, is capable at the plate,’’ Panasuk said. “He had two hits, including an RBI double, in our 12-10 loss to Norton.’’

The 63-year-old Panasuk, who previously was head coach at Randolph High for two years, works as a sales rep for Peets Coffee and also umpires Babe Ruth and Little League games during the summer on the South Shore. 

Relying on a competitive philosophy that focuses on his players reaching their potential and enjoying their athletic endeavors, Panasuk believes winning will follow. He also hopes his forces take some valuable life lessons from sports. “Overcoming adversity is one life lesson we learned last year,’’ he said. “Kids can also learn to be resilient, to be good teammates, good citizens and strong leaders,’’ he emphasized.

“I’m not expecting any miracles this year,’’ he said. “We were young last year and we’re young this season. A five-win record would be a good outcome. It’s realistic because the players want to win and there’re no quitters here.’’

Panasuk deserves lots of credit for keeping his Mohawks upbeat and mentally ready to compete last year.

A winless record is never easy to stomach, but Stu Panasuk has the demeanor, the perspective and calming nature to lead the Millis baseball program.

He’s in the right place at the right time.