Baseball kicks off 2012 campaign at Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic in Fort Myers, Fla.

ADA — The Ohio Northern baseball team will open its 2012 schedule in Fort Myers, Fla., when it competes in the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic, March 4-10, kicking off a new era in the program under first-year head coach Gene Stechschulte.

The Polar Bears will face familiar faces during that opening trip in Hiram and Thiel (Pa.), as well as some new opponents in Muhlenberg (Pa.), Finlandia (Mich.), Merchant Marine (N.Y.) and Wheaton (Ill.).

Northern's first home contest is scheduled for March 13 against Albion (Mich.). Other non-conference opponents on the docket this season include Urbana, Salem International (W.V.), Wooster, Denison, Wittenberg and Adrian (Mich.).

The team will open up Ohio Athletic Conference action March 31 on the road against defending national champion Marietta and will conclude the regular season at home May 5 against John Carroll. The conference tournament is scheduled for May 10-12.

Ohio Northern finished the 2011 season 19-19 overall and 4-14 in the OAC.