Wildcat baseball brings back talent after year hiatus
Braylen Corter, Kevin Grenninger, Gardner Fravel, Cayden Culvey, Nate Helms, Cru Stover, Gabe Johnson. Standing: Chase Brush, Noah Grenninger, Elek Fravel, Ethan Simmons, Aidan Major, Tanner Swinehart, Blade Myers, Aaron Miller, Peyton Johnson, Landyn Carson. Players missing from the picture include Cy Probst and Cayde McCloskey
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP, PA – You can pretty much book that every year Central Mountain’s baseball program will be at the very least every competitive and most years, very good. The Wildcats have been working from the Keystone Little League talent pool over the last decade or so, and more than a few players from recent Keystone teams, older, bigger and stronger, will be major contributors in the looming season.
Longtime head coach Mike Kramer acknowledges there is talent on this spring’s squad and is pleased with what he has seen so far.
Coach Kramer recently responded to a series of questions from The Record:
How do things look at this point?
At this point of the year we are doing the best with all that is in our control. There are so many things at this point we can’t control. Players and coaches have been working extremely hard to prepare.
Are there many returnees from the district championship team two years ago?
We have four major contributors returning from our 2018-2019 team in Cy Probst, Aidan Major, Peyton Johnson and Kaden Falls. Their leadership ability has been excellent and I look forward to seeing them demonstrate to our younger players the work that is required to elevate our team.
How has the virus impacted preparations?
The virus hasn’t really hindered our preparation other than the pre-practice protocol required by all players and coaches. Players are still showing up, working hard, and focusing on getting better each and every day.
Were kids able to play any out-of-season ball last summer/fall to stay sharp?
Most returning players from last year’s squad were able to participate in some sort of baseball. We were able to get the guys together to participate in a summer league, and some players joined travel teams in the summer and the fall.
Strengths of team?
The strength of our team is the senior class. We have seven seniors and each of them brings a certain skill set to this year’s team. Contributions on the field and off of the field from this group will help develop a cohesive unit.
Concerns?
The concerns I have are looked at as opportunities. There are many spots available which will be filled by players without varsity experience. The players contending for these positions are talented and have the skill to complete. I am excited to see these players make their marks in the Wildcat Baseball Program.
What do we know of the Heartland Conference this year?
The Heartland Conference has been restructured. We now have Montoursville, Mifflinburg and Lewisburg in our division. These teams along with all of the other teams in the conference have quality baseball programs. Each game this year will require our players to be at their best both physically and mentally.
And Districts 6, 8, and 9?
Our district tournament will include D6, D8, and D9 teams. DuBois and Hollidaysburg are the teams we will be facing. Both teams have traditionally been solid and are extremely well coached. We are looking forward to the opportunity to compete for a crown.
And this year’s saying?
#WorkWins is our saying, one of which the members in our program take pride.
The Wildcats are to open the regular season at home on Monday, Mifflin County the opponent,. game time 4:30 p.m. The scheduled opener at DuBois on Friday of this week was postponed.
