2024 Tri-County Penguins Baseball Season Preview: a Return to Competition
After a program hiatus since 2019, the Tri-County Penguins return to baseball competition this season. Last year, the Penguins played an exhibition schedule with 8 full-time players and asked and so they asked my family (from conference rival Wild Rose) to help bring baseball back.
¨We took on this challenge because we believe everyone should have a chance to play baseball if they want. Last year we played an “exhibition” schedule of 10 games, winning 1 and losing 2 others by 1 play. But the sport has started taking hold, as this year we have 14 kids on the roster! So we are playing a regular varsity schedule, practicing hard, and hoping to build a program. I am excited about the roster and the staff of 3 assistants between 20-22 years of age.
Coaching staff:
Jay Wildner, Head Coach
Matt Wildner, Asst. Coach
Sam Grawczyk, Volunteer Asst.
Andrew Wildner, Volunteer Asst.
Key returners:
Tri-County did not have a varsity team last year.
Key newcomers:
Aidan Detlor, Grade 12, Pitcher, Middle Infielder
Lawson Jelinski, Grade 11, Pitcher, Outfielder
Jake Makaryk, Grade 10, Pitcher, Catcher, Middle Infielder, Outfielder
Seth Hildebrandt, Grade 9, Pitcher, Middle Infielder, Catcher
Conference outlook:
Because the school has not had a varsity team in 5 years, or won a game in 6, Tri-County is picked to finish last (7th) in the tough CWC-South conference – the only D4 conference with (2) teams ranked in the top 11 state-wide.
Keys to your success this season:
If the pitchers can find the zone, Tri-County will have an opportunity to surprise some teams this year.
Coach’s comments: anything else you’d like to share?
Tri-County is proud of these players taking on the challenge or rebuilding a varsity baseball program.
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2023-24 Area Conference Schedules: Conference and Team Links
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
