By: Edward Kiesendahl
The spring season has begun, and so has America’s past time, baseball, at Wallenpaupack. This is a season brings transition and new beginning for the team with the loss of many star seniors, and the first head coaching season for longtime assistant coach, Coach Lenz. Coach Lenz is very excited for the season to come, and when asked about his goals for the team he said, “My team goals this year are to be competitive and for my players to play the game the right way.” It is an extremely tough Lackawanna League for baseball this season with no clear-cut favorites and no clear-cut favorite. In order stay competitive in the league this year the team needs all the guys to step up and do what they need to do.
Some of the key players Coach Lenz mentioned that will have an impact on and off the field with play and leadership were Mark Nilsen, Peyton Toth, and Thomas Kiersted. Nilsen and Toth are the team captains for the Buckhorns this year, and with a very young team they have a huge role in shaping how the team will perform both this season and in the seasons to come. Nilsen’s job on the field will be to play any position they need him to as well as being the teams lead off hitter. “Toth,” Coach Lenz said, “is another senior who can provide power with his bat.” Finally, Coach Lenz mentioned Thomas Kiersted, a junior, who the team will need to be excellent on the mound and at the plate.
The team had their first game of the season yesterday against Wilkes-Barre. The Buckhorns ended up losing 7-3. Still, it was still a good showing for the boys. They will have their next game at home Saturday against Pocono Mountain East at 4:00. Though it wasn’t the start to the season the team hoped for they are sure to have a great season ahead of them.
