Large veteran group has Mustangs looking to keep diamond momentum from 2024 success

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 April 2025 at 9:13 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s veteran group includes, in front, Carter Woodworth, Aidan Papaj, Ryan Pegelow, Vinny Gray and Brady Christiaansen. In back are Lukas Grimes, Ryleigh Culver, Brody Fry and Preston Woodworth.

Looking to keep the momentum from last spring’s memorable run to the state Final Four, the Medina baseball squad is anchored by a solid nucleus of nine veterans.

Going 20-2 overall, the Mustangs captured Niagara-Orleans League, Section VI Class B and Far West Regional championships before dropping a narrow 5-3 decision to Spackenkill in the state Class B semifinals.

The Mustangs veteran group is led by a trio of first team N-O All-League honorees including seniors Brody Fry (Pitcher/Third Base/Shortstop) and Ryleigh Culver (Catcher/First Base/Pitcher) and sophomore Aidan Papaj (Second Base/Shortstop).

That contingent also includes second team All-League honorees senior Carter Woodworth (Infield/Outfield/Pitcher) and sophomore Preston Woodworth (Infield/Pitcher/Outfield) and Honorable Mention selection junior Vinny Gray (Outfield/Infield/Pitcher) along with seniors Lukas Grimes (Pitcher) and Brady Christiaansen (Outfield) and junior Ryan Pegelow (Outfield).

Senior Tyler Kroening (Outfield/Infield), who was a regular as a sophomore, is also back after playing lacrosse last spring.

The Mustangs roster also includes juniors Jimmy Dieter (Infield/Outfield) and Kolton Fletcher (Outfield) along with sophomores Lathan McEwen-Miller (Infield/Outfield/Pitcher), Hadrian Batista (Infield/Outfield/Catcher/Pitcher) and Cam Fike (First Base/Pitcher).

“We definitely have the experience, talent and depth to make it back we just have to perform,” said Coach Chris Goyette.

Medina’s graduation losses included first team All-League honoree Julian Woodworth (Outfield/Pitcher) and Honorable Mention selections Richard Keppler (Outfield) and Branden Christiaansen (First Base/DH).

The Mustangs are scheduled to begin tuning up for the N-O season by hosting Alden in a non league contest at 5 p.m. Friday. The Mustangs are also slated to host Alexander on April 8, Batavia on April 14 and Depew on April 18 before opening the N-O campaign at home on April 22 against Roy-Hart.