CM Baseball Looks to Build on Hard Work, Depth for 2025 Season

MILL HALL-As the Central Mountain Wildcats prepare for the 2025 baseball season, head coach Mike Kramer is focused on developing a new core after the departure of a strong senior class. With a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers, the team is eager to compete at a high level.

The Wildcats are looking to solidify their lineup across the field, including the infield, outfield, and pitching rotation. The outfield will feature a deep group of players, including Brady Lavelle, Hunter Hoy, Isaiah Maldonado, Felix Oquendo, Bryce Brungard, Gavin Karstetter, Josh Ludlow, and Dane Hanna.

In the infield, Central Mountain will turn to Blake Walker, Donevan Seyler, Jase Seltzer, Nate Wian, Darius Shade, Malaky Moyd, Austin Frank, and Aidan Jones to handle defensive responsibilities. Watt Probst is expected to take on the role behind the plate.

The pitching staff includes a versatile group, with Gage Laughner, Lavelle, Maldonado, Brungard, Karstetter, Walker, Seltzer, Shade, Wian, Frank, Hanna, Jones, and Seyler all capable of contributing on the mound.

Coach Kramer emphasized that individual skill development remains a priority, but the biggest factor in the team’s success will be an unselfish mentality. “Success this season is going to take a unified and concentrated effort from all,” he noted.

With a strong work ethic already in place, Kramer expects the team’s training to translate into confidence on the field. “My goal is for our team to be present each day mentally and physically. This, in turn, will enable us to be successful no matter what happens on the field,” he said.

The Wildcats have an experienced pitching staff led by key returners Laughner, Brungard, Wian, Frank, Walker, Seltzer, Lavelle, and Maldonado. Coach Kramer is excited about their potential and believes they will be a major asset this season.

Leadership will be a team-wide effort, with players expected to take on roles both on and off the field. “It is crucial for our players to realize each of their roles on this team is critical for our overall success,” Kramer said.

Several underclassmen and new faces could have an immediate impact, including Probst, Frank, Walker, Shade, Oquendo, Hanna, Jones, and Ludlow. Their contributions will be important in shaping the team’s success.

The Wildcats’ 2025 schedule is packed with strong competition, including non-conference matchups against Dubois, State College, and Punxsutawney in the first week. Conference battles with Selinsgrove, Jersey Shore, Williamsport, and Shikellamy will provide key tests as the team prepares for the postseason.

Central Mountain has 36 players between the varsity and junior varsity teams, with eight new additions this year. The coaching staff includes Jon Herman, James Gallagher, Asher Corl, Dan Grenninger, John Hann, and Bob Conway, who will help guide the Wildcats through the season.

With dedicated preparation and a strong roster, the Wildcats are eager to hit the field. “We have been working hard in all parts of the game, and we are looking forward to our first competition,” Kramer said.