WILDCAT BASEBALL LOOKING TO REBOUND

New Coach, New Outlook

By Staff

MOUNDRIDGE – The Moundridge baseball team will look to return to winning ways in 2024 under the guidance of a new coach.

It could be a challenge as the Wildcats finished the 2023 season with just five wins in 21 games overall and 4-12 in Heart of America League games.

While they did lose a few players, the Wildcats cupboard is not barren as new coach Preston will have seven players returning with starting experience. These seven list positions as four infielders, three outfielders and one catcher with six also having experience on the pitching mound. Of the seven, only two are seniors, two are juniors and three are sophomores.

Ty Rains, a senior infielder/pitcher was named both to the Heart of America all-league team, but also made All-State honors in 2023. Sophomore Layton Schmidt, another infielder/pitcher, earned honorable mention all-league as well.

Coach Preston will also work to include another three seniors and a pair of juniors into the rotation as well as a sophomore and three quality freshman who will be on the ball diamond for the first time as a Wildcat.

Looking forward to his first season in charge of the Wildcat baseball program, coach Preston reflected on the challenge ahead by stating, “We are excited for the upcoming season. With several returning players we look to be competitive in the tough Heart of America League in 2024.”

The Wildcats open the 204 season on the road Monday, March 25 at Conway Springs before making their home debut on Thursday, March 28 against county rival, the Inman Teutons.

MOUNDRIDGE WILDCAT BASEBALL

2023 RECAP >

Ø Finished 5-16 overall, 4-12 in Heart of America League games.

HEAD COACH >

Ø Jim Preston

Ø First Season at Moundridge.

Ø Has 13 seasons of head coaching experience.

RETURNING with STARTING EXPERIENCE  >

Ø Ty Rains, Sr. – INF/P, Returning Starter, All-League, All-State.

Ø Layton Schmidt, Soph. – INF/P, Returning Starter, Honorable Mention All-League.

Ø London Ward, Sr. – INF/P, Returning Starter.

Ø Layton Wiens, Jr. – INF/P/C, Returning Starter.

Ø Lane Durst, Jr. – OF/P, Returning Starter.

Ø Lars Tegethoff, Soph. – OF, Returning Starter.

Ø Clay Wilson, Soph. – OF/P, Returning Starter.

OTHER RETURNING PLAYERS >

Ø Thomas Porter, Sr. – INF/OF

Ø Issac Durst, Sr. – INF

Ø Keaton Anderson, Sr. – INF/P

Ø Kepple Adolph, Jr. – INF/OF

Ø Connor Adams, Jr. – INF

INCOMING/TRANSFER PLAYERS >

Ø Owen Colwell, Soph. – INF/P

Ø Finn Lintecum, Fr. – INF/P

Ø Logan Greenwalt, Fr. – INF/C/P

Ø Atley Lichti, Fr. – INF/P

2024 SEASON SCHEDULE >

Ø March 25 – at Conway Springs

Ø March 28 – Host Inman

Ø April 4 – at Remington

Ø April 9 – At Bennington

Ø April 12 – Host Sedgwick

Ø April 19 – Host Canton/Galva

Ø April 23 – Host Hutchinson Trinity

Ø April 26 – At Ell-Saline

Ø April 30 – Host Marion

Ø May 3 – At Little River

(The Staff covering McPherson County Activities can be reached by email at macks.people.places@gmail.com)