Starting your senior season in any activity or sport is filled with mixed emotions. For those seniors in a spring sport it also marks the last time they will be part of a high school team. Tyrone’s Golden Eagle baseball team boasts the return of seven seniors, each bringing a unique set of skills, but one common and unified goal.
“We want to win the state title,” senior Ross Gampe clearly stated. “Our steps to that goal are to beat Bellwood, win the Mountain League, and make state play-offs.” Having been a starter on the 2021 State Championship squad, Gampe knows the importance of playing as a team to be successful. “Our team strength is that we have a large number of good athletes that can play a variety of different positions.”
The strength of players was also echoed by senior Ryan Seeger. “We have a solid bullpen with a lot of returning pitchers from last year’s team. We also have a pretty fast outfield,” Seeger added. “ I hope we have a healthy and successful year.”
Returning starter Zac LeGars remembers the thrill of playing for a state championship and is optimistic about this 2023 squad. “I think our strengths are defense and hitting. Our pitching could get better, but with Caiden Bonsell back this year (from arm surgery), and it being early, there is a lot of time for improvement before the season starts.”
“I agree, defensively we are solid and trust in each other to be in the right position to make plays,” Bonsell interjected. “I want us to win Districts and advance to States, it’s just that simple.”
“This team has unity, passion and the competitiveness to win games,” senior Austin McClellan added repeating a common theme. “I believe with team play and the enjoyment of playing with each other, we can make a strong run for another state championship.”
Twin brothers Joshua and Nathaniel Patterson are looking forward to ending their senior year as teammates. “I am really looking forward to this season because of how much closer our team bond has become,” Nathaniel shared. “That bond will allow us to do great things. During every game I hope to help the team in any way possible to earn that win.” Joshua added, “Everyone has put in so much work throughout the off season and I’m excited to watch it transfer over to the games.”
Head Coach Kevin Soellner is looking to this group of seniors to lead his younger players. “The importance of leadership to a successful team is essential. When I look at this group of seven seniors, not only do we have a strong talent base, we also have young men who understand the concept of playing for and as a team. Their demeanor will shape the tone and ultimately the success of the other players in the dugout.” Soellner concluded, “It is so exciting to be back on the field and to share this season with this group of seniors.”
The public has an opportunity to see the seniors and their teammates at this year’s Meet the Eagle set for 4:00 on March 19 in the Middle School gym. The official season begins on Monday, March 27, against Bald Eagle Area with JV/Varsity away at 4:30 and Junior High home at 4:00. A full schedule of the Junior High and JV/Varsity Baseball season may be found on the Tyrone School District’s web site under Athletics and on the Baseball Booster site tyroneeaglesbaseball.com along with pictures and other team information.
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