Coming off not one but two state championships in back-to-back years, expectations have never been higher for Black Hawks baseball. Going into a season with a roster dripping in experience, these expectations are very much justified. With talent from seniors down to freshmen, the outlook for the team is bright going into the season.

The seniors have experience beyond measure headed by pitchers such as Kent State commit Evan Holewinski and the University of Charleston commit Nate Vargo. The talent in the senior pool doesn’t stop there as catcher John Chalus and designated hitter Ray Altmeyer, who are both Mercyhurst commits, and outfielder Jason Nuttridge spearhead the position play.

About the upcoming season, Nuttridge said, “We have the same goals of winning a WPIAL championship and going back on to win a state championship at the end of the season. We have high expectations as a team, but it’s more important to take it game by game. That will lead to future success.”

One goal the Hawks haven’t attained yet during the past two seasons has been the WPIAL championship. In 2021, they lost in the finals, and then in 2022, they lost in the semi-finals.

The closet is nowhere near close to bare though as the junior and sophomore classes have valuable assets to the program’s future. With many young returning players including Jack Edner, Ryan Walsh, and Jack Bruckner.

One player leading the future is sophomore Ryan Petras who plays infield and outfield.

Petras said, “We may have a different-looking team this year but we still have the same goal in mind.”

The team does indeed look different. Graduating five senior starters from last year’s ball team does leave some questions at positions. Nevertheless, the goals are evident and the talent is obvious. All eyes throughout the WPIAL will be glued on the Hawks as they try to make it not one not two but three this summer.