After falling a run short last season, the Licking Wildcats remain hungry for a district championship.
For the past two seasons, the Wildcats have made it to the title game but haven’t made it home with the trophy. Last year, the team finished 18-7 and 6-2 in the conference, ending their season with a 1-0 loss to Mtn. Grove in the Class 3 District 10 tournament championship game.
“That's left a bad taste in our mouths,” said head coach Jason Grose of the losses. “That's our first goal – win the district.”
The Wildcats will pursue this goal without three graduates: Lane Duncan, Mason Porter, and Aaron Wilson.
“Lane was a three-time all-state baseball player,” said Grose. “He hit in the three-hole the past two seasons, was one of our best pitchers, and played shortstop when he wasn’t pitching. He was one of the best, if not the best, hitters in the area.”
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In the past two seasons, Duncan hit 12 homers and drove in 78 runs. “That’s going to be hard to replace,” said Grose.
Mason Porter was a two-year starter in the outfield and brought speed and vocal leadership to the table. Aaron Wilson struggled with injury during both his junior and senior seasons, tearing his ACL during basketball season each year.
Returning talent includes several seniors. Cole Roberts, second baseman and 2-hole hitter, returns alongside Bryce Derrickson, who is working to earn a starting spot in the outfield.
All-state third baseman Austin Satterfield will hit in the No. 3 or No. 4 spot, as will fellow senior Gage Atchley, who was first team All-Frisco League last season. Atchley is the team's No. 1 starter and plays centerfield when not pitching. Jordan Mendenhall will be the co-ace and will play all over the outfield.
Junior Tristen Morelan plays catcher for Licking and is the leadoff hitter, and junior Dillon Smith is the team’s shortstop and should bat fifth and also pitch. Trenton Campbell is a returning sophomore who stepped into a starting role in the fall as an outfielder.
Two senior move-ins will help out the varsity this season: Cody Payne, a transfer from Dixon, and Rhyen Romines, formerly of Plato. Sophomore Jared Case is another new face, and he looks to earn a starting spot at first base and will also contribute innings on the mound.
“The boys have worked harder than ever in the weight room this off-season,” said Grose. “We’ve had a great start to spring practice. The team chemistry is much better than it has been, which is what we think has kept us from winning a district championship. The leadership has been great so far. I think our lineup can be deeper this spring, even without Lane Duncan. I think we’re ready to take the next step, and we’re excited to start playing.”
The Wildcats will get their start in their home opener against Newburg on March 28.
