Veteran Medina squad eyes run for N-O title

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for the Medina baseball squad is this group of returning starters. In front are Aidan Papaj, Julian Woodworth and Vinny Gray. In back are Richard Keppler, Brody Fry, Carter Woodworth and Ryleigh Culver.

Slipping into third place last spring after a three year league title run, Medina returns a large veteran contingent with which to again challenge for top Niagara-Orleans baseball honors this season.

The Mustangs underclassmen dominated veteran group includes seniors Branden Christiaansen (DH/1B), Richard Keppler (Of) and Julian Woodworth (OF/Pitcher); juniors Ryleigh Culver (Catcher/1B), Brody Fry (3B/P) and Carter Woodworth (1B); sophomore Vinny Gray (Of/P) and freshmen Aidan Papaj (2B/SS/P) and Preston Woodworth (2B/P).

Julian Woodworth, Culver and Papaj all earned second team N-O All-League honors last year while Keppler and Fry received Honorable Mention.

“It’s one of the more athletic teams we’ve had. We have a lot of speed and experience,” said Coach Chris Goyette. “We’ve got good pitching depth with six guys in the regular rotation and our defense looks strong. The key will be how well we hit.”

The Mustangs graduation losses included first team All-League honoree Aidan Paul (P/1B) and second team honoree Aiden Pitts (1B/P)

Medina, which went 8-4 in the league and 9-8 overall last season, will begin tuning up for the April 19 N-O opener at Roy-Hart by hosting Lockport next Wednesday.