Picture caption: Tyrone head coach Kevin Soellner works with seniors Nick Lehner and Luke Brooks during a batting cage session.

Despite piles of snow and frigid temperatures, one can still hear the sound of ball against bat when walking past the Tyrone Youth Athletic Association batting cages on Tenth Street. After achieving the ultimate prize, the 2021 PIAA 3A State Championship, Tyrone’s Golden Eagle baseball team is focused and preparing for the new season. Players and coaches have been working together at the indoor facility since last November.

With eight returning seniors and starters from last year’s team, the Eagles have a strong base of talent on which to build. “It was hard losing six seniors, but we feel good with this group of young men and have a lot of pitching back,” said head coach Kevin Soellner. “We definitely are set to make another run and the kids are really into it and working pretty hard. Hitting has been our focus right now with throwing starting soon.” In addition to the batting cages, three scrimmages in February at the Iron Horse indoor facility in Windber will provide true game experience. “We’re set to play against MoValley, Bellwood, and Northern Bedford which will be the best opportunity to begin playing as a team and evaluating our strengths and weaknesses.”

The excitement of talking about playing baseball again was evident in the face of assistant head coach Dave Mease. “Our goal is always to repeat. If we work hard and the kids buy into the team concept the way they have in the past, I think we still have a good shot at making another run in the state tournament.” When asked about a focus for this year, Mease responded, “Pitching is still going to be the focus, it takes you where you need to go. We have the arms and defensively we’re solid. Still checking out some prospects and once that’s ironed out we’ll have a good year.”

Longtime coach Marvin Murry sees motivation as a key factor. “The kids are looking at the preseason rankings and getting a little mad, which is fine.”  Currently MaxPreps has Central ranked as the top team in the state. “We remind them that it doesn’t matter what happens in preseason, what counts is what you do on the field, so we’ll use this to push our players to work harder.”

Senior Nick Lehner has his own goal for his final year, “I’m looking forward to one last season with the guys I grew up playing Little League with. We hope to get back into the post-season this year, but above all else we want to make our town proud.”

“My goal is to push myself whether it’s in a game or at practice,” added Senior Jesse Yingling. “Playing with the same guys I’ve been with since Little League is something I’m looking forward to this season.”

In addition to Soellner, Mease, and Murry, this year’s JV and Varsity coaching staff include Jim Lang, Luke Hammer, Nic Light, and Michael Stoner.  Junior High will be led by head coach Eric Wardrop and assistants Joe Oakes, Mike Walk, and Eric Stroup. Opening day will be on March 28 against Hollidaysburg with JV and Varsity playing away and Junior High at home.

For information on the 2022 Tyrone Golden Eagle team and season visit Tyrone Golden Eagle Baseball at tyroneeaglesbaseball.com or on Facebook.