With a year of experience under their belts, a young core of Pennsylvania College of Technology baseball players enter this season with a new focus and a “taking care of business” attitude that veteran coach Chris Howard translates into on-field success.

Howard’s 19^th edition is scheduled to open its season at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday at first-time opponent Gettysburg College.

“Last year, we were a team that started eight, sometimes nine freshmen or first-year players. I would say that we have a key returner in every position on the field,” Howard said.

A year ago, the Wildcats finished 17-21 overall and were 5-10 in the United East Conference, missing the playoffs for just the second time in 17 full seasons.

Leading those returnees is sophomore centerfielder Dallas Griess of Williamsport, last year’s United East Rookie of the Year, a member of the UE first team, and a D3baseball.com All-Region IV and American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Division III All-Region Mid-Atlantic third-team honoree.

Senior catcher Nathan Gustkey of Philipsburg is back after an early season-ending injury, while others who saw significant playing time and gained all-important on-field experience last year are junior Brandon Shane of Boyertown, sophomore Jaiden Augustine of Dillsburg, sophomore Shawn Townsend of Hatboro, sophomore Jaydon Goebel of Honey Brook, sophomore Matt Munoz of Tobyhanna, sophomore John Croasdale of Milford, New Jersey, senior Kevin Cute of Glenside and sophomore Ty Jenkins of Lancaster.

Key pitching returnees are sophomore Sam Staib of Bloomsburg, sophomore Griffin Vollman of Williamsport, sophomore Ethan Eckard of Cogan Station, sophomore Wyatt Hershey of McConnellsburg, along with junior Parker White of West Decatur, who is coming back from a season-ending injury.

Newcomers on the mound will include junior right-handers Ethan Hannevig of Pine Grove and McGwire Heverly of Bellefonte, and freshman left-hander Ryan Remetta of Mechanicsburg. Hannevig played at Penn State Harrisburg for the last two seasons.

“This is the second year in a row where we have brought in a very impactful freshmen class. I could’ve easily named every (one of 10) freshman on our roster as a key incoming player. I believe every one of our first-year players will have an impact on our success this year,” Howard said.

“The team has been very focused this year, starting in August when we first met. There has been some great upperclassmen leadership that has really pointed the entire team in the right direction,” the coach said.

“One of the biggest positives for the team this year is the year of experience and maturity that we bring to the table. Last year, we had the overwhelming majority of players in their first year of college baseball. It was a learning experience for everyone. It’s very difficult for true freshmen to come in and have the kind of success you need to win championships. This year, we have a whole new attitude, concentration and effort. Great teams have great teammates and we have 42 great teammates on this roster,” Howard said.

“We have depth at every position. Not just bodies, but depth to where I have no reservations about putting anybody at any position and I’m confident they can get the job done. That’s a very good problem to have as a coach,” Howard said.

“This year, we have more quality arms on the pitching staff than we have had in 19 years. We are deep in starters and relievers. This is a season where we will have guys constantly pushing each other to be better. Competition is never a bad thing. In the end, you will have a better ballclub because of it. This team has raised the bar for themselves and I’m excited to see where they take us,” said Howard, who is assisted by Chris Arnold and Heath Heller.

Howard added, “We could talk about all the technical things we want to do to be successful this year (pitching, hitting, defense), but what really matters is the team taking care of their business every day. It’s about the journey. Be where your feet are and take care of the task at hand that day.  

“The rest of the conference will be chasing Keystone and Penn State Harrisburg again this year. The quality of baseball continues to rise every year in our conference. We have to be ready to compete in every single series this year if we are to get back to the postseason. Not making the postseason last year left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, but I think it has been one of the motivating factors this year for us to work harder than we ever have.  

“I’m always optimistic every year, but this year, I’m especially excited because I want to see how all those young guys from last year come out and compete.”                          

Baseball

Schedule/Series History

Sunday, Feb. 23 — at Gettysburg College, 12:30 p.m. (first-time opponent)

Friday, Feb. 28 — at Lancaster Bible College, 2 p.m. (Penn College leads 17-10)

For additional information, visit the Wildcats Athletics website.

For more about the United East, visit the conference website.