With a big and valuable senior class lost to graduation in 2022, the Dryden baseball team will have some holes to fill but is confident in the roster it has to make a run and try and repeat as the IAC champions this season.
Dryden head coach John Pascarella knows he lost a special senior group, but believes the team this year can be just as special.
“Our mindset doesn’t change,” Pascarella said. “We still want to go out there and win titles and try and get banners. These guys have that drive carrying over from last year. I think we have a good chance at repeating and these guys are hungry for that. The younger guys had the chance to see what it’s like to compete at that level last year too.”
Senior Cole Goggan is just as confident as his coach, but wants what the team couldn’t achieve last year – a sectional title.
“I think we have a real shot at winning our conference and even the section,” Goggan said.
Dryden’s mindset heading into the season is what any team wants to have and it will be difficult to achieve the goals it wants, but the Lions know nothing comes easy. Many players will take on different roles and the team is excited to see what takes place.
“It will be difficult without the guys we had, but I think we can do it,” senior catcher Owen Strickland said. “I’m excited to see guys step up and see people play in different places.”
Conor Boothroyd, Mitch Shipman, Nolan Weik, Ryan Wiser and Johnny Pascarella are all key pieces Dryden lost and many – especially Boothroyd and Wiser – were prime pitchers for the Lions. The whole group also contributed in the field and at the plate. Boothroyd and Weik hit at the top of the order and Shipman and Wiser were in the middle.
Joining them in the middle of the lineup last season was another big piece the team lost in sophomore Nathaniel Poole, who was a strong offensive force last season. Poole left for prep school to play hockey on Long Island.
Pitching is the big question, though, and senior Colton Dow will likely be one of the big names to step up on the mound.
“I’m excited to take on a bigger role in the rotation,” Dow said. “This past summer I’ve been working with coaches and I’ve gotten comfortable on the mound. I am excited to see how well I can help my team out pitching. That is something we are going to need this year.”
If Dryden could have it their way, they would be out on the field tomorrow. The team is ready to get things moving.
“I think we are pretty solid top to bottom,” Pascarella said “I’m excited to get out there and compete.”
