Mustangs have youthful, but veteran lineup

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 March 2023 at 8:25 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s returning regulars include, in front, Richard Keppler, Julian Woodworth and Aidan Paul. In back are Vinny Gray, Tyler Kroening, Ryleigh Culver and Brody Fry.

Underclassmen dominate the lineup as the Medina varsity baseball team prepares to defend its Niagara-Orleans League co-championship and its Section VI Class B title.

Senior pitcher Aidan Paul, who earned first team N-O All-League honors last year, heads Medina’s contingent of returning regulars which also includes juniors Julian Woodworth (outfield/pitcher)and Richard Keppler (first base/ DH), sophomore Brody Fry (third base/ pitcher), Ryleigh Culver (catcher), Tyler Kroening (middle infield) and freshman Vinny Gray (outfield). Woodworth and Fry both received All League Honorable Mention.

The Mustangs roster also includes senior Aiden Pitts (shortstop), Jayden Lugo (outfield) and Jackson Moreland, juniors Brandon Christiaansen (first base/DH), Alex Benz and Henry Winters, sophomore Carter Woodworth (third base) and eighth graders Aiden Papaj (second base) and Preston Woodworth.

“We’re young but we do have a good amount of experience,” said Coach Chris Goyette who has taken over the Mustangs helm with the retirement of Jon Sherman. He is being assisted by Brian Fry. Goyette and Fry both served as assistant coaches the last few years.

The Mustangs graduation losses include first team N-O All-League honorees Zach Fike (pitcher/first base) and Xander Payne (catcher/pitcher/outfield) along with second team honoree Joe Cecchini (shortstop) and Honorable Mention selection Hayden Woodroe (outfield).

Medina, which shared the N-O crown with Roy-Hart last year at 10-2, finished with a 21-4 overall record.

The Mustangs are scheduled to begin tuning up for the April 17 N-O opener at rival Albion, with a non league home game against Alden at 5 p.m. Monday.