Just a bunch of kids in a candy shop, that’s what you’ll see watching Kansas State players react to the latest facility renovations in Manhattan.

These upgrades to the Tointon Family Stadium are part of the $15 million project between K-State soccer and baseball that includes a brand new locker room, theatre/meeting room, training area and more. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without the purple lighting on the ceiling designed as the seams of a baseball. 

Watch Kansas State at the Kleberg Classic LIVE on FloBaseball

This ultimate recruiting technique will surely bring more eyes to Manhattan, and that is exactly what head coach Pete Hughes is looking to do. First things first though, Hughes and his team have their eyes set on making a serious difference this season. 

Last season was filled changes for K-State. Hughes was brought in to lead this team in what he calls the “last leg of (his) coaching career.” In addition to Hughes, pitching coach Cord “Buck'' Taylor and assistant coach Austin Wales also made their Wildcat debut. With a 25-33 season, Hughes took his team to the Big 12 Tournament for the first time since 2016. 

With a lot of new additions, last season became a rebuilding year focused on the future. 

"It's state of the art. It's as good as it gets in college baseball." #KStateBSB https://t.co/wUPB8JQdpe

— K-State Athletics (@kstatesports) January 22, 2020

During their Media Day, Hughes was insistent about the pitching depth he has in the bullpen this season. He is focused on making sure he has enough ammo to last all through May and June. 

Transfers Carson Seymour, Connor McCollough, and Zak Herbers will add some of that depth Hughes is looking for. Sophomore Jordan Wicks will be back in uniform and is sure to repeat strong numbers from the mound this year. Pitching and defense will be a major focus for this team. 

In his fourth season as a wildcat, senior Cameron Thompson will be covering third and working as a solid mid-lineup guy for the team. Transfer Kam Willman from Bakersfield College will also be a force behind the plate and is expected to play shortstop. Daniel Carinci, a transfer from Alabama will be at second, and returning outfielder Zach Kokoska is set for his return after hitting .330 in 2019.

Four Cats earn #Big12BSB Honorable Mention:
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⚾️ Zach Kokoska
⚾️ Caleb Littlejim
⚾️ Terrence Spurlin
⚾️ Cameron Thompson

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— K-State Baseball (@KStateBSB) May 21, 2019

There is a culture change happening for this squad. These players are motivated more than ever to get to Omaha and they are building a community and strong work ethic to do so. This drive will be extremely important throughout the season with difficult road trips to Stanford, Texas Tech and West Virginia. 

I think this team is allowed to use the cheesiest pun of the new decade: They are definitely embarking upon the new year with 20/20 vision. These changes have lit a fire under this team and it should make for a very entertaining season. 

The Wildcats open the season in the state of Texas against UTRGV and will be making their way to Corpus Christi for the Kleberg Classic, Feb. 21-23, live on FloBaseball.