Mark Lewis and his Jackson American Legion team have plenty to be excited about these days.

For starters, Lewis -- a former assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State -- has helped elevate Jackson from a formerly struggling program in just three years.

Lewis' first squad, in 2002, went 21-18, followed by marks of 28-19 in 2003 and 25-15 last summer, when Jackson finished second in the district tournament and advanced to zone play because district champion Sikeston was the zone host and already had a berth.

"We've had three good years. I've been excited," Lewis said. "It's been a slow and steady progress getting it going. We've had some talent, and we've had some good kids with the right attitude. It's been fun."

Not only does Lewis expect another solid squad this summer, but Jackson will host the zone tournament, meaning it already is just one step away from state.

"We bid on the zone and got it. It's exciting, because you're already one step away from going to the state tournament, but you want to have a pretty good team when you host the zone," Lewis said. "I think we'll be pretty strong if everything comes together, but you never know."

Jackson's 17-man roster consists primarily of players from the Jackson High School team that recently completed a 19-4 season and won a district title.

Returning players from Jackson include Jason Meystedt, one of the area's premier all-around high school players, along with Zach Brazer, Trey Busch, Brandon Gendron and Chad Minson.

Also back are Brandon Cooper (Central), Tony Longman (Notre Dame, spent this year at Three Rivers Community College) and Austin Morrison (Oak Ridge).

Newcomers from Jackson are Tyler Beussink -- who teamed with Meystedt to form the area's premier one-two high school pitching punch this year -- Derek Biri, Robert Cheney, Geoff Enders, Austin Leimer, Rex Meyr, Joel Penrod and Cameron Heath. Another first-year player is Tyrone Reece (Central).

Meystedt, Beussink, Penrod, Gendron, Reece and Morrison are among hurlers who figure to make Jackson's pitching staff a strength.

"No doubt we have some good athletes who can go out on the hill," Lewis said.

Bob Friese returns to assist Lewis, while Dustin McKinnis is a first-year coach.

Jackson opens its season 7 tonight with a home game against House Springs.