After claiming the Class 5 State Championship in the 2025-2026 season, baseball is looking for another successful season.
“Nobody in the Beach District has repeated a state championship since 1972-73, and only one team has a chance to do that this year,” head coach Pete Zell said. “That’s a lot of history, and it is so cool to chase that history.”
Each player has been preparing for months for the new season on the field and in the gym. The team practices Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and every Saturday from roughly 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
“High school is a much faster pace than middle school,” freshman Becket Kulenguski said. “A lot more practicing and a lot more hard work.”
While the practice schedule remains the same, the faces are changing. After losing five seniors, it is up to this team to step up.
“This year my role has definitely changed leadership-wise,” senior and captain Connor Mais said. “I and the other captains on the team are expected a little more than the others from the coaches in terms of doing the right thing and keeping practices efficient.”
The team is well known for their brotherhood, and Zell encourages the team to bring this attribute to every game.
“If I could describe this year’s team in one word, I would use ‘selfless,'” Zell said. “These players are always putting the team first.”
The team is looking forward to a fun season full of growth and bonding, and the fans are expecting great things from them this spring.
The next game will be held at home on March 19 at 4:00 p.m. against First Colonial High School.
“My favorite part of being a part of OL Baseball is the tradition and environment we have,” Connor said. “We are all excited for this season, and all have the same goal of trying to bring home another state championship.”
