NTL BASEBALL: HAVENS SAYS WILDCATS WORKING HARD TO REACH ITS GOALS IN 2026 (March 29, 2026)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
ATHENS — Athens baseball coach Charlie Havens says his team has set a high bar for 2026, and are working hard to achieve those goals.

"This team has shown up with some high aspirations and has absolutely been putting in the work," he said. "Baseball, as everyone knows, is a game of failure and we need to know how to properly handle mistakes or let downs without carrying it with us on the next pitch.

"Change the body language and be more focused on the task at hand, I believe those are two important keys for this group," Havens added.

Havens believes "taking care of the little things' is the biggest key for success in 2026.
 
"In order for us to take that next step, coach Aaron Raupers has really been pushing to our guys that we need to take care of the little things.

"We need to stop giving good teams extra outs, be smarter on the bases, know our coverages, hit the right cuts, etc. and we will be a tough team to beat.

"Last season, I think we surprised some teams including ourselves, when we made that big jump to 15-5," added Havens.  "We definitely won't be sneaking up on anyone this season, and I truly believe the boys are up for the challenge."

Junior Connor Davidson will anchor the infield at catcher, with juniors Brady Flynn and Duncan Thetga each seeing time at first base, and junior Kam Wheeler and sophomore Hunter Brennan vying for time at third base.

Senior Karson Sipley, sophomore Ty Owen, and freshman Shea Davidson are in line for time at second base, with seniors Eli Hobday and Nick Grazul, and freshman Easton Paul vying for time at shortstop.

Junior Brendan Cooke and sophomore Kade Rowe will anchor the outfield in center field, while junior Alex McQuay and Brennan will vie for time in left field, and sophomore Zeke Noble will man right field.

Grazul, Thetga and Flynn are penciled in as the Wildcats' three main starters with  Wheeler, Davidson, Cooke, Rowe most likely working most of their time out of the pen.  

"We also like what we see from (Ty) Owen and Shea Davidson and hope to get them experience along the way," said Havens.

"Coach (Andy) Podolinski does an excellent job having these guys ready to go every game," noted Havens. 

"We get them going in late December and by the first game they are ready to go in regards to mechanics and pitch count."

Havens is excited by the experience returning to the diamond for the Wildcats in 2026.

"The strength of the '26 team is experience, depth, and versatility," he said. "Most of our returners are two-year starters and Lackawanna College commit, Grazul is a four-year starter. 

"We have plenty of guys who can play multiple positions and are willing to do so," Havens added.

"Team chemistry" is another strength, says Haven.

"There is a strong team bond with this group, they do have a lot of fun together. 

"Another part of that, which is a rare combo, is they have a solid work ethic," added Havens. "We have a lot of guys constantly asking for more reps; makes it a joy to come to practice everyday."

Havens has his eyes on a few youngsters.

"Ty Owen had a few opportunities at the varsity level last season and he just looks much more confident this year," he said. We expect him to play second for us and also some in the outfield.  

"Zeke Noble is a sophomore who played JV last year and worked his tail off in the off-season," noted Havens. "He received a lot of hitting instruction from Rich Macik and that work has really paid off.  He is going to start in right field, and he has absolutely earned the opportunity.

"Alex McQuay will be our starter in left field, and has been working his tail off competing to earn that spot.

"Shea Davidson and Easton Paul, both freshman, made the varsity team and are very talented," added Havens. "They will be the middle infield for us the next few years."

Havens' biggest concern heading into 2026? 

"Last year our biggest issue was staying healthy, and that will be a key for us again this year," said Havens.

Athens kicks off "a challenging 2026 schedule" Sunday afternoon at Towanda.
 
"We have put together a challenging schedule, including an early-season tournament at the Lumber Yard in Cortland," said Havens. "I believe this will make us stronger down the stretch with a strong competitive schedule."

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IN PHOTO: Athens coach Charlie Havens. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.

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