By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

High school baseball team previews for the 2026 season.

AURORA GREENMEN

AURORA GREENMEN

Head Coach: Glenn Galang, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Jim Humpal, Naja Garcia, Jake Knapp, Alan Krontz.

2025 Record: 7-20 overall, 4-10 Suburban League American Conference.

Returning Lettermen (4): Rocco Zembala, sr.; Max Anzells, sr.; Gabriel Cooch, jr.; Drew Scott, jr.

Lettermen Lost (13): Brady Carlson, Ben Lukasik, Alex Brooker, Jack Lang, Aydan Carlson, Maddox Booth, Jack Bonnette, Will Bodine, Tommy Hach, Alex Kaczmarek, Paul Davet, Tommy Tartabini, Carson Smith.

Season Outlook: “We have great senior leadership,” first-year head coach Glenn Galang said. 

Infield: Galang said he considers the infield as one of the team’s strengths this season.

The middle infield is solid with senior shortstop Max Anzells and junior second baseman Elijah Shim.

At third base will be junior Gabe Coach, who was named All-Suburban League last year.

Junior first baseman Drew Scott solidifies the infield at first baser.

Outfield: Galang describes his outfield as a “talented group.”

Centerfieldr Ryan Slisz is the team leader, along with senior Drew Botos, senior Brennen Scope, junior Jackson Brooker, junior Ryan Ziegler and junior Jack Williams.

Catcher: Junior Braeden Wamser, along with senior Joe Scope and senior Mason VanRaepenbusch will handle the duties behind the plate.

Pitching: The rotation will be led by Rocco Zembala, with Slisz, Coach, Scott, Wamser, James Kuty, Williams Shim and Noah Bolbach all in the mix, as well.

Area of Strength: “Our defense and pitching.”

Cause for Concern: “Learning the mental part of the game.”

CRESTWOOD RED DEVILS

Team preview will publish at a later date.

FIELD FALCONS

Head Coach: Joe Peterson, 14th year, 237-103 career record.

Coaching Staff: Brian Clark, Austin Williams, Dru Pifel, Levi Lowden, Darin Shackelford.

2025 Record: 22-6 overall, 13-1 Metro Athletic Conference (league co-champions).

Returning Lettermen (6): Caden Kolesar, sr.; Joey Conroy, sr.; Nick Cultrona, sr.; Sam Confer, sr.; Kole Siedler, sr.; Joey Dilworth,s r.

Lettermen Lost (7): Grady Eader, Landon Homan, Drexal McAmis, Logan Roberts, Alec Grimm, Caleb Brastine, Chip Wagner.

Season Outlook: “We were hit hard by graduation at the end of last season,” longtime head coach Joe Peterson said. “Nonetheless, we are very excited about the upcoming season. We have a good group of upperclassmen and are very intrigued by our young players. Our conference should be very tough with the players each squad has coming back.”

Infield: Returning All-MAC Honorable Mention performer Sam Confer returns for his third year as a starter for the Falcons. He hit .307 last year, with two home runs and drove in 21. 

“Sam has a good arm and will hit in the middle of our lineup.”

At second base, Nick Cultrona is back after earning Honorable Mention All-MAC last year.

“Nick had a very good season last year. We are hoping for even bigger things from him this year, as he will move up in our lineup.”

Cultrona hit .343 last year and had 24 hits, 19 runs scored and had 14 stolen bases.

At shortstop, four-year starter and MAC Player of the Year Grady Eader has graduated and is now playing for the University of Mount Union.

Peterson said a good “spring battle” for the position has opened between freshman Mason  Fulst, sophomore Tyler Stelzer, sophomore Caden Corbett and junior Dawson Cook.

First base is another position being battled for during the preseason, with a mix of senior Joey Dilworth, senior Caden Kolesar, junior Cade Little and Stelzer.

Outfield: Kolesar is the leader, returning for his fourth year as a starter. He was named First Team All-MAC for the third consecutive season last year. He had 36 hits and a .450 average last season, along with 14 doubles, 25 RBI, 40 runs scored and nine stolen bases.

“Caden loves the game and loves to work. He has really worked hard in the off-season and in the weight room. He can flat out swing it.”

Another all-league performer, senior Joey Conroy, will again man left field. He was Second Team All-MAC last year, hitting .378, with 31 hits, 18 RBI, 44 runs scored and 19 stolen bases.

Also fighting for time in the outfield will be sophomore Alex Williams, freshman Paxson Silveus, junior Tristan Reuting and junior Jack Wagner.

Catcher: Senior Kole Siedler, who was Second Team All-MAC last year, is back after being behind the plate for 164.1 innings a year ago, while also producing at the plate with 22 hits and 19 RBI.

“We expect Kole to anchor our infield and be one of our bigger bats this season. He has a strong arm, as well as receiving and blocking well.”

Stelzer is expected to relieve Siedler.

“Tyler is a good looking young player for us.”

Little has also put himself in the mix at catcher, but is entering the season with a cautious gameplan as he returns from shoulder surgery.

Pitching: Field graduated 126 innings from last year’s co-league championship team.

“This season, we are looking forward to the challenge of some other guys stepping up.”

That group will start with sophomore James Robert, Confer, Conroy and Kolesar.

“James has a lot of potential and has been working extremely hard in the off-season. We will also be looking for Sam to step up and take a bigger role. He is a big, strong kid.”

Others who could earn innings are Stelzer, Williams, Dilworth, Cook, Corbett, Siedler and Cultrona.

Team Captains: Senior Caden Kolesar, senior Joey Conroy.

Underclassmen to Watch: James Roberts, Cade Little, Alex Williams, Tyler Stelzer, Mason Fulst, Paxson Silveus.

Area of Strength: “We have a good senior class that has played a lot of high school baseball. We will need to lean on them, as we will have a lot of guys in new spots this spring.”

Cause for Concern: “Losing over 120 innings from last year’s team, as well as a tremendous amount of talent, will be hard to replace. In addition, the league will be very good. Teams in the MAC are returning some really good ball-players.”

GARFIELD G-MEN

Head Coach: Mike Paes, 11th year, 139-107 career record.

Coaching Staff: Howard Moore, Scott Eberly, Kyle Workman.

2025 Record: 15-10 overall, 8-5 MVAC .

Returning Lettermen (6): Brandyn Bogucki, Brock Pesicek, Garet Warnick, Jack Neikirk, Carson Norton, Jared Cardinal.

Lettermen Lost (3): Aidan Hill, Collin Cunningham, Tyler Lutz.

Season Outlook: “I just want to compete everyday and exceed most others expectations,” head coach Mike Paes said. “If we have a successful year, it means we had guys step up on the mound and at the plate. We have to improve our batting from last year to compete in every game. I have a great group of kids that are a pleasure to be around and it is a great family dynamic.”

Infield: Shortstop Brandyn Bogucki returns for his fourth year as a starter. He set the school record for single-season batting average as a freshmen and has continued to ascend his game every season.

“He has been a bright spot every year he has played for me and is a once in a decade type of player and person.”

Jared Cardinal started last year at third base as a freshman and Paes said he is “looking forward to see Jared with some experience” under his belt.

Others in the mix across the infield are Parker Gill, Lukas Workman and Mason Andrikanich.

Outfield: Jack Neikirk returns at centerfield, where he has excelled.

Carson Norton returns for his third year in right field, while Nate Baczkowski, Holden Kissell and Cole Summers-Wade will all earn time as well.

Catcher: Brock Pesicek is back as the everyday starter, where he has been since his freshman season.

“I am looking forward to him having a hot bat this year.”

Pitching: Garet Warnick was a solid No. 2 last year behind Aidan Hill and is prepared to step into a larger role this spring.

Cardinal, Bogucki and Neikirk are three others who are expected to have a major impact on the mound.

Underclassmen to Watch: Cole Summers-Wade, fresh.

KENT ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS

Head Coach: Mike Haney, 24th year, 306-261 career record.

Coaching Staff: Ron spears, Jesse Michel, Andrew Johns, Ryan Kitay, Jason Preising.

2025 Record: 11-14 overall, 6-7  Suburban League American Conference.

Returning Lettermen (15): Rocco Abercrombie, sr.; Jack Flynn, sr.; Nick Roberts, sr.; Teddy Maccarone, sr.; John Estep, sr.; Rocco Baggetta, jr.; Aiken Benshoff, jr.; Luke Haney, jr.; Trevor Bogovich, jr.; Brock Catalucci, jr.; Lucas Poluga, soph.; Garrett Polcha, soph.; Oliver Walter, soph.

Lettermen Lost (8): Gavin Corbett, Brayden Darrow, Deonne Dickerson, Brian Dugan II, Dominic France, Alex Geist, Trystin Page, Ryan Sanders.

Season Outlook: “The Suburban league remains one of the premier baseball conferences in the area, featuring high-level competition and well-established coaching staffs throughout,” longtime head coach Mike Haney said. “The defending league champion Highland Hornets highlight a deep and talented field.

“Our roster is built around a strong and experienced senior class that continues to push the program to reach out standards. Our expectations are high. With strong pitching depth, we anticipate being a contender in the league, while positioning ourselves for success in the Division III postseason.”

Infield: The anchor is First Team All-Suburban League performer Teddy Maccarone.

The senior shortstop hit .299 last year, with 23 hits, 18 RBI, 21 runs scored and a .407 on-base percentage.

John Estep returns to second base after earning Honorable Mention all-league last year.

Luke Haney will be at first base, with Aiken Benshoff, Garrett Polcha and Gavin Polcha also playing around the infield to help fill in on days when others pitch.

Outfield: Rocco Baggetta was an Honorable Mention selection last year in the Suburban League and will start again in centerfield.

Nick Roberts “worked hard to force his way” into Roosevelt’s outfield mix a year ago, and he is slotted to start in right field.

Jack Flynn is in left field, with Oliver Walter, Josh Swaney and Lucas Poluga, along with Trevor Bogovich, adding depth.

Catcher: Rocco Abercrombie and Brock Catalucci both return after both sitting out last year to season-ending injuries.

Owen Puhalla, Poluga and Swaney all add depth.

Pitching: “Early in the spring, so far, we look to have a lot of depth.”

Roberts, Benshoff and the Polcha brothers highlight the group, with Maccarone, Estep, Puhalla, Poluga, Haney, Walter and Jackson Courtheyn all will see innings on the mound.

Team Captains: Rocco Abercrombie, sr.; Jack Flynn, sr.; Nick Roberts, sr.; Teddy Maccarone, sr.; John Estep, sr.

Area of Strength: “Experience. We return 15 lettermen. I would also say our roster flexibility and depth, infield defense, and it is always about our coachability and brotherhood.”

MOGADORE WILDCATS

Head Coach: Chris Williams, 3rd year, 17-22 career record.

Coaching Staff: Mike Gasaway, Aaron Pendergast, John Dassco, Todd Wagner.

2025 Record: 3-14 overall, 2-8 Portage Trail Conference.

Returning Lettermen (6): Tyler Pendergast, Maddox Smith, Jake Hopkins, Dylan Hartung, Noah Hopkins, Landen Williams.

Lettermen Lost (4): Cole Reese, Ryan Waits, Jimmy Woods, Max Shannon.

Season Outlook: “This year’s Opening Day roster will look similar to last year,” head coach Chris Williams said. “We will be a young team, with only two seniors this year, but both have varsity experience. All six returning lettermen started a majority of our games last year, and they will be counted on to be great leaders for our new guys.”

Infield: Third base will be an area of strength, with Tyler Pendergast, Jake Hopkins and Jaykob Dasko sharing time depending on who is pitching and/or catching.

Pendergast and Hopkins accounted for 95 percent of the innings played at third base last year.

At shortstop, time will be split between Jake Hopkins, Noah Hopkins and Dasko. Again, based on pitching will determine who is playing and when.

Hunter Rambler and Jax Hancock will get time at second base.

“Both are young an inexperienced, but they possess immense amount of potential, especially defensively.”

Landen Williams is the starter at first base.

“We will look for him to take the next step both offensively and defensively.”

Outfield: While the outfield will be a mix of young and veteran players, it will also be highlighted by players who can do multiple things well.

Dylan Hartung, Maddox Smith, Noah Hopkins and freshman Chase Pitts are all in line to earn a starting spot.

“All are extremely capable with the glove and have shown above-average arm strength during the preseason.”

Freshmen Blake Adorni and Luke Adorni are also in the mix.

Catcher: The position will be shared between Pendergast, Jake Hopkins, Williams and Dasco. 

“We have a lot of experience between these four, and we should be able to command the game from behind the plate. This is a position of strength for this year’s team.”

Pitching: Smith is described by Williams as the “proverbial No. 1 guy” in the rotation after a very strong sophomore season.

Jake Hopkins and Noah Hopkins, along with Pitts and Pendergast, round out the Cats’ staff.

As the season progresses, Williams would like to increase the opportunities for younger players like Dasco, Hancock and Williams.

Team Captains: Tyler Pendergast, Dylan Hartung.

Area of Strength: “The experienced players we have coming back are very talented and have exceptional leadership qualities. We feel confident that their leadership will help speed up the learning curve for our young guys. Being able to get outside and play as much as possible due to the new turf infield will only help us grow as we get closer to tournament time.”

Cause for Concern: “Lack of varsity experience at some key positions will be something we need to overcome in the early part of the season. The early season will be a learning curve for a majority of the team. We need to keep our approach simple and bring along a good group of young guys early in the season to mix with the handful of experience guys on the roster come tournament time.”

RAVENNA RAVENS

Head Coach: Lee Lovejoy, 8th season, 38-106 career record.

Coaching Staff: Matt Byers, Brett Mitzel, Kyle Gillespie, Nick Donovan.

2025 Record: 10-18 overall, 5-9 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (7): Connor Welling, sr.; Logan Hysell, sr.; Sean Jordan, sr.; Matt Fuller, sr.; Brandon Nichols, jr.; Ales Hall, jr.; Landyn Godley, soph.

Lettermen Lost (2): James Evans, Nic Brazelton.

Season Outlook: “We look to compete with the top half of the league more than we have in previous years,” head coach Lee Lovejoy said. “We have four seniors who have a lot of varsity experience.”

Infield: Seniors Logan Hysell (first base) and Sean Jordan (middle infield) lead the infield for the Ravens.

“Together, Sean and Logan represent the experience and leadership that we will rely on this season.

“With Sean’s dependable glove and Logan’s commanding voice, the senior leadership will be huge.”

A pair of underclassmen will join them in sophomore Landyn Godley at third base and Liam Summers in the middle infield.

Tyler Nichols is pushing for time as a starter.

Outfield: Connor Welling highlights the group.

“Connor brings outstanding athleticism and a powerful presence in the field. His A-plus arm strength make him a defensive standout, who can shut down the running game and make difficult plays look routine.

“Connor has speed and instincts that allow him to cover a lot of ground, which gives us confidence on every ball hit his way.”

Alongside Welling will be new faces in Carter Mitchell (sophomore), Andrew Malden (junior) and Brandon Nichols (junior).

Catcher: Matt Fuller returns as a starter for the fourth straight year. He has caught nearly every inning for the previous three seasons.

Freshman Daniel Artz is his backup.

Pitching: Welling will be a leader of the staff, while Hysell, Godley and Summers will all be healthy contributors.

Adding depth are Malden and Tyler Nichols.

Team Captains: Sean Jordan, Matt Fuller, Logan Hysell, Connor Welling.

Underclassmen to Watch: Liam Summers, Landyn Godley, Carter Mitchell.

Area of Strength: “We have four seniors who have battled the last three seasons, and we have seen a big jump with them this year to start. We are looking forward to their leadership and a good year.”

Cause for Concern: “Pitching. We graduated two big parts from our team last year (James Evans, Nic Brazelton), and we also had a few guys who pitched key innings for us last year not return.”

ROOTSTOWN ROVERS

Head Coach: Keith Waesch, 14th year, 203-109 career record.

Coaching Staff: Matt Collins, Matt Just, Jim Gerren, John Gerren.

2025 Record: 18-10 overall, 4-4 Portage Trail Conference, district champions.

Returning Lettermen (12): Brady Brown, sr.; Alex Ely, sr.; Bryce Harless, sr.; Carson Hayn, jr.; Mason Lisi, sr.; George Luli, sr.; Anthony Pratt, jr.; Kiel Reuting, jr.; Landon Rodstrom, sr.; R.J. Soika, sr.; Ethan White, sr.; Jaydon Whitesel, jr.

Lettermen Lost (5): Elijah Birch, Sean Boveington, Brady Kreitzburg, Blake Postlethwait, Caleb Stevens.

Season Outlook: “We return 12 letterwinners off a team that got better and better as the season progressed last spring,” said head coach Keith Waesch. “However, last year is in the rearview mirror and we are in a new conference in 2026. So we need to be ready to play each and every game.”

Infield: Senior Landon Rodstrom (15 RBI) and junior Anthony Pratt (.294 avg.) have varsity experience at first base.

The middle infield will be comprised of seniors George Luli (.400 avg., 5 2Bs) and Ethan White (.295 avg., 19 RBI). Senior Caleb Stevens is also hoping to see playing time as a first-year varsity player.

Seniors Bryce Harless (.265 avg.) and R.J. Soika (.409 avg.) along with junior Kiel Reuting are returning with varsity experience at third base.

The third base position could also depend on who is on the mound as Harless and Soika threw over 90 combined innings in 2025.

“We have a veteran group of infielders with good gloves,” said Waesch. “There will definitely be some different infield combinations depending on our starting pitcher and who is swinging a hot bat.”

Outfield: Seniors Brady Brown and Alex Ely, along with junior Carson Hayn, all return as starters in the outfield.

Brown (.286 avg., 13 RBI) played centerfield, while Ely (.300, 26 runs) was the right fielder and Hayn (.410 avg., 32 hits, 23 RBI) was the left fielder.

Senior Mason Lisi also played some outfield a year ago in his first year of high school baseball.

“This is one of the best defensive outfields we’ve had in quite some time,” said Waesch. “This group can cover a lot of ground and should provide some offense as well.”

Catcher: Junior Jaydon Whitesel (.243 avg.) started several games last year and will take over as the starting catcher.

“Jaydon has adjusted well to varsity baseball and we feel good about his ability to handle our pitching staff and slow down the opposition’s running game,” said Waesch.

Pitching: Seniors Bryce Harless (43 IP, 3.26 ERA, 56 Ks) and R.J. Soika (48.1 IP, 4.63 ERA, 69 Ks), along with junior lefty Anthony Pratt (20 IP, 1.75 ERA, 28 Ks), will lead a deep pitching staff.

Seniors Ethan White and George Luli will get opportunities as well on the mound.

“Our pitching staff is the strength of our team from an experience standpoint,” said Waesch. “If this group pitches to their ability level, we will have an opportunity to win a lot of baseball games.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Christian Adkins, jr.; Nigel Wright, jr.; Aiden Battaglia, soph.; Drew Just, soph.; Brayden Lisi, soph.; Brayden McColloch, soph.; Carson Saltsman, soph.; Jack Turner, soph.; Nathan Waesch, soph.; Rocco Giulitto, soph.

Area of Strength: “This is a veteran team that only lost four lettermen. However, we aren’t in any position to think that just showing up is going to be good enough to win baseball games. We have to come to play every day.”

Cause for Concern: “Our schedule is extremely difficult at the beginning of the season. We play some huge schools enrollment and talent wise in Florida, and we come back to face Chagrin Falls and regional runner-up Kirtland in our first four conference games.”

SOUTHEAST PIRATES

Head Coach: Matt Dillon.

Coaching Staff: Mike Richeson, Zeddie Pollock, Nick Dillon, Thomas Sharish.

2025 Record: 18-10 overall, 8-6 MVAC.

Returning Lettermen (9): Daniel Clint, Joe Sharish, Tim Parbel, Nathan Muccino, Breadyn Walden, Cohen Richardson, Alaunte Massrock, Bradley Dillon, Caden Dillon.

Lettermen Lost (3): Caleb Miller, Zack Keto, Braden Blankenship.

Season Outlook: “We are looking to compete each game. We have some older kids that understand baseball and some young kids that will also help us. Our pitching and defense should be a strength,” head coach Matt Dillon said.

Infield: The Pirates’ infield will consist of Daniel Clint, Joe Sharish, Nathan Muccino, Caden Dillon, Tim Parbel, Cohen Richardson, Garret Davis and Carter Procurator.

Sharish is expected to play multiple positions in both the infield and outfield.

Outfield: “Our outfield should be very solid. We have plenty of options. Whoever proves they can hit will play.”

The group includes Maverick Wood, Devyn Miller, Josh Donovan, Braedyn Walden, Bradley Dillon, Alaunte Massrock and Sharish.

Catcher: Bradley Dillon is the every day starter, with Wood as the backup.

Pitching: The core starters will be Sharish, Massrock and Caden Dillon.

Adding depth are Miller, Richardson and Muccino.

Underclassmen to Watch: Braedyn Walden, jr.; Cohen Richardson, jr.; Massrock, soph.; Bradley Dillon, soph. Caden Dillon, soph.; Devyn Miller, soph.; Garret Davis, soph.

Area of Strength: “Our pitching and defense should be solid. We should throw strikes and field the ball well. We have some players who can play multiple positions which will help us.”

Cause for Concern: “Can we hit? I guess we will find out.”

STREETSBORO ROCKETS

Head Coach: Chris Scisciani, 21st year, 210-232-1 career record.

Coaching Staff: Ira Campbell, Kevin Kukla, Evan Morris, Colin Boldin, Matt Eddins, Jared Tuma.

2025 Record: 14-10 overall, 8-6 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (8): Jayden Coffie, sr.; Scott Wilson, sr.; Brady Long, jr.; Brayden Burfield, sr.; Colton Cox, jr.; Nate Estep, jr.; Jake Szczecinski, jr.; Jayden Dufala, soph.

Lettermen Lost (3): Jack Batten, Braden Craft, Josh Boldin.

Season Outlook: “We’re very excited about the group we have this season,” veteran coach Chris Scisciani said. “Although we are a young team, we believe we have a lot of talent and potential. Our players have been working hard, and we’re hopeful that our effort and growth throughout the season will allow us to compete near the top of the league.”

Infield: Jayden Coffie returns for his fourth year as a starter. He was named First Team All-Metro Athletic Conference last year, hitting .319 and driving in 17.

“He has been a staple for us at third base, and he is expected to handle the majority of the duties again this season. His experience and steady play make him an important leader for the team.”

Jake Szczecinski is a versatile player, with ability to play across the infield, but will see the majority of his innings at first base this year — when he is not pitching. He hit .345 last year.

Brady Long (.307 average, 14 RBI), who was named Honorable Mention All-MAC last year for the second time, returns for his junior season. 

“Brady will see time in the middle infield when he isn’t pitching or playing in the outfield. His ability to contribute in multiple roles makes him very valuable.”

Colton Cox was another Honorable Mention All-MAC performer last year. He recently underwent shoulder surgery, but Scisciani said the team is hoping to have him back in the lineup soon.

Nate Estep, a junior, will miss the entire season after recently undergoing arm surgery.

Jadyn Dufala, a sophomore, will be a utility player.

“Last year, he saw most of his action in the outfield, but he is expected to take over duties at shortstop.”

Bentley Mrak will compete for time at the corner infield positions, while also adding depth as a catcher.

Mason Sanford, a freshman, who will compete for a starting position at second base.

Adding depth are Braylen Motley, Aiden Ward and Jaxson Fedor.

Outfield: Scott Wilson hit .349 last year and had 30 hits, along with 23 stolen bases, to be named First Team All-MAC.

Wilson enters the season 15 hits away from breaking the school’s career hit record of 86. He already holds the program’s career record for stolen bases with 58.

Competing for time are Brayden Burfield and Zaciah Cook.

“Brayden has experience and leadership, and he will be valuable to us. Zaciah is very fast and will be a valuable asset on the base-paths.”

Freshmen Graham Jonas, Jack Simpson and Colton Wert are all in the mix, as well.

“Graham is a big, strong player who can play multiple positions.”

Catcher: Freshman Joe DeToro is the leading candidate to earn the starter’s role.

“He is an excellent defensive player, who frames pitches well and possesses a strong arm of this age. Joey’s dedication to his craft is evident not the field, and he loves putting in the extra time and embracing the grind, whether in the hitting room or the weight room.”

Pitching: Wilson will be the Rockets’ ace. He led the team in innings pitched (46.1), wins (5-1), strikeouts (54) and earned-run average (1.36) last year.

Wilson showed great command, too, walking up only 14 and allowing only nine earned runs all season.

Brady Long returns after pitching the second-most innings last year. He posted a 3-1 record, 18.2 innings, 1.12 ERA and had 20 strikeouts.

Jonas, Szczecinski, Burfield, Sanford, Dufala, Cook, Motley, Mrak and Wert all will be in the mix.

Underclassmen to Watch: Jadyn Dufala, soph.; Zaciah Cook, soph.; Bentley Mrak, soph.; Joey DeToro, fresh.; Graham Jonas, fresh.; Mason Sanford, fresh.

Area of Strength: “We have a number of players who bring valuable versatility and can contribute at multiple positions. On the mound, we have several arms we trust to step in and compete in any situation, and we’ll be counting on both our senior pitchers and some emerging new arms to make an impact this season. With that combination, we’re hopeful this group can put us in a strong position to compete at the top of the league.”

Cause for Concern: “We have several players in our lineup this season who are still gaining valuable varsity experience, and some of our underclassmen will need to step up and take on significant roles. It will be important for us to consistently throw strikes and take care of the routine plays defensively. Just as important, we need everyone to embrace their role and commit to being unselfish, team-first players.”

WATERLOO VIKINGS

Head Coach: Zach Rogers, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Kyle Biltz, Bo Cooksey, Brad Norris, Gavin Corbett, Tristyn Page.

2025 Record: 8-14 overall, 5-9 MVAC.

Returning Lettermen (4): Sam Russell, sr.; Mason Biltz, jr.; Trevor Flarida, soph.; Cole Kaiser, soph.

Lettermen Lost (8): Aric May, Vince Mori, Trevor Simons, Daniel Cunningham, Austin Hurst, Brandyn Beans, Matthew Ralston, Landon McClain.

Season Outlook: “We’re a very young group, however, there is a unique competitive edge and hunger this group has that is incredibly infectious,” first-year head coach Zach Rogers said. “Each of these young men work extremely hard daily as if they have something to prove, which has led to tremendous growth and improvement in all of them so far. This is a group who believes they can surpass a lot of people’s expectations of them this season.”

Infield: Rogers points to Trevor Flarida, Cole Kaiser, Derek Hupp, Wade Mori, Sam Russell and Grayson Griffin as the core infielders.

“Being a team captain as a sophomore in both basketball and baseball just speaks to the leadership qualities that Trevor possesses. Trevor will also be a key cog in the middle infield, on the mound and at the top of the lineup for us as we expect he will be a big part of what we do this season and going forward into the future as well.

“Cole brings an awesome blend of athleticism, power and confidence to this team. He is a very well rounded player and will be another big piece of this groups present and future.

“Wade has been extremely impressive as a freshman through the off-season and in preseason. He has the potential to be an elite defensive first baseman and has a very mature approach at the plate for his age.

Russell, Hupp and Griffin add depth.

Outfield: When not pitching, Mason Biltz is the team’s starter at center.

“Mason is a special athlete, and we are really excited to see what he will be able to do defensively this season.”

Austin Mazur, Dalton Braybon, Hupp and Griffin will all see innings, as well.

Catcher: Russell and Brayton will share the catching duties this season.

“Both of them not only are great athletes but also possess the exact leader traits you look for in a starting catcher. They both will also be key players in the middle of our lineup as well.”

Pitching: Biltz earned First Team All-MVAC last season. He will be the team’s No. 1 starter this year.

Rogers said that Flarida and Kaiser have “looked great so far” and are expected to pitch a lot of innings, while Hupp is another player to watch.

Team Captains: Mason Biltz, jr.; Trevor Flarida, soph.

Underclassmen to Watch: Trevor Flarida, Cole Kaiser, Dalton Braybon, Grayson Griffin, Wade Mori.

Area of Strength: “This group’s competitiveness and attitude is going to put them in positions to succeed. As this group gets more experience and plays with each other more and more they will only continue to get better.”

Cause for Concern: “While we are very excited for this group, this is still a lot of inexperience which could come with some growing pains.”

WINDHAM BOMBERS

Head Coach: Jake Eye, 4th year, 36-39 career record.

Coaching Staff: Jeff Kiser, Casey Anderson, Chase Eye.

2025 Record: 13-10 overall, 11-7 Northeastern Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (9): Gavin Kiser, sr.; Jordan Ridenbaugh, sr.; Keegan Kiser, soph.; Bryan Smithberger, soph.; Eliot Kepich, soph.; Devin Sherman, soph.; Malikye Peetrich, soph.; Michael Bolyard, soph.; Cam Batterij, soph.

Lettermen Lost (5): Jack Eye, Dylan McCune, Brian King, Austin Cales, Alex Eye.

Season Outlook: “We are very young, with 80 percent of our starters and returning lettermen being sophomores,” Eye said. “With that said, we have a great nucleus of talent and leadership and increased pitching depth. We are once again looking forward to a competitive spring and continued growth in our program.”

Infield: The Bombers’ infield will consist of Keegan Kiser, Bryan Smithberger, Eliot Kepich, Gavin Kiser, Aidan McGahee and Devin Sherman.

“Keegan and Bryan will spell each other at shortstop, while the other is on the mound. Both are sophomores with great baseball knowledge and passion for the game. Although both are sophomores, we look for them to be our leaders. Both are going to be a hard out at the plate and will be our top-two guys on the mound. Both have great command and presence on the mound and will always give us a chance to compete.”

Eliot Kepich and Devin Sherman will share time at first base.

“Both have good size for the position and have become more consistent defenders and both possess power at the plate and will anchor us in the middle of our lineup.”

Senior Gavin Kiser will transition from the outfield to second base.  

“He has a solid glove and a scrappy demeanor at the plate. Don’t let his size fool you. His heart pounds heavy, and he will give us everything he’s got.”

Freshman Aidan McGahee will get a lot of time at third base.

“Aidan has a ton of size and a very big arm. We are very excited about him. He has shown tremendous ability at the plate with his power. He is going to be a good one.”

Jordan Ridenbaugh, a senior, will miss the beginning part of the season, as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered during the football season.

“He will be a big pick up for us once he returns. He has started for us for three years. He is solid defensively and is another tough out in the lineup.”

Outfield: Sophomore Cam Batterby will be the anchor in the outfield.

“He is very quick and gets tremendous jumps on balls that you wouldn’t think could be caught. Defense is his strength, but he has shown a lot of growth and toughness at the plate.”

Flanking Batterby will be a group of newcomers, including freshman Kaiden Fincham, sophomores Malikye Petrich and senior Louden Collins.

“Malikye gained a lot of experience last year as a freshman and has shown a lot of progress this year. Louden is a few years removed from the game, but is athletic and capable of helping us track down fly balls.”

Catcher: Sophomore Micheal Bolyard will see most of the action behind the plate.

“He has shown a lot of potential and willingness to get better. He has shown the toughness needed to play this position, and has tremendous quickness matched with a strong arm. We are excited to see what he can do.”

Pitching: “We believe this to be our strength this season, with added depth and experience.”

Keegan Kiser and Smithberger will be the team’s one-two punch.

“Both have great command of several pitches and the ability to throw any pitch in any count.  They are a year stronger and both have the ability to go deep into games and give us a chance to win game in and game out.”

Many others can provide quality innings this season, including Bolyard, Kepich, Fincham, McGahee, Petrich and Gavin Kiser.

Team Captains: Bryan Smithberger, soph.; Keegan Kiser, soph.

Area of Strength: “I believe our pitching will be our strength. Again, Keegan and Bryan have the capability of shutting teams down and going deep into games. I also believe we have a lot of depth with many guys capable of giving us quality innings and a chance to compete.”

Causer for Concern: “With youth comes growing pains. As a sophomore-heavy team, we will need to continue to be patient as the fruit ripens.”