2026 Varsity Baseball

2026 Varsity Baseball Season Preview

The 76th Varsity Baseball team at Alleman High School enters the 2026 season poised for another strong campaign. Expectations remain high following a highly successful 2025 season, and we return a talented core of experience while blending in promising young contributors throughout the roster.

Team Captains
• Will Bowers, Sr.
• Gavin Wilburn, Sr.
• Jackson Smith, So.

Key Returners
• Will Bowers, Sr. (C/INF/OF)
• Adam VanMeighem, Sr. (OF/LHP)
• Gavin Wilburn, Sr. (INF)
• CJ Carruthers, Jr. (RHP)
• Kelly Honert, Jr. (1B/OF/RHP)
• Truman Marner, Jr. (INF/OF/RHP)
• Jackson Smith, So. (OF/RHP)

Pitchers
The pitching staff returns a significant portion of its innings from last season. Senior Adam VanMeighem projects as a starter after throwing 56 innings with a 3.13 ERA and seven wins in 2025. Junior Truman Marner also projects as a starter after logging 48 innings, a 3.06 ERA, and seven wins last season. Junior CJ Carruthers looks primed for a breakout year after a productive sophomore season in which he threw 31.1 innings and earned four wins. Junior Kelly Honert returns as a reliable arm out of the bullpen following a 29-inning season with a 2.17 ERA, four wins, and two saves. Sophomore Jackson Smith is expected to contribute as a relief arm after limited usage as a freshman. Freshman Everett Smith should see a meaningful workload on the mound. Senior Robbie Wolfe has an opportunity to earn innings, and juniors Drew Peterson, Jayvin Johnson, and Tyler Wood, along with Sophomore Brady Williams, are all expected to contribute to the pitching staff during the 2026 season.

Catchers
Senior Will Bowers anchors the catching group after an outstanding junior season in which he hit .411 with 39 runs scored, 33 RBIs, and 28 stolen bases. His athleticism and versatility allow him to impact the game in multiple ways. Junior transfer Drew Peterson is expected to log quality innings behind the plate and provide additional flexibility, while Freshman Carter Erickson adds depth and long-term upside to the position.

Infielders
Senior Gavin Wilburn returns after a strong 2025 season, hitting .282 with 25 runs scored, 24 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases while playing steady defense. He projects as the Pioneers’ primary shortstop. Junior Truman Marner is primed for a breakout year after a solid sophomore campaign in which he hit .306, scored 15 runs, drove in 13, and stole 8 bases. Marner is expected to contribute at second base and outfield. Peterson will also see time at third base when not catching. Junior Kelly Honert steps into an expanded role this season, with versatility to play first base and the outfield. Freshmen Jackson Franks and Connor Fox are expected to be heavily involved across multiple infield positions this spring, while Freshman Everett Smith will see innings at the corner infield spots. Junior Adam Barrios adds potential power to the lineup and depth to the infield mix.

Outfielders
Senior Adam VanMeighem returns to patrol center field after a strong 2025 season in which he hit .344 with 27 runs scored, 14 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. Sophomore Jackson Smith is coming off a historic freshman season, hitting .369 with 28 runs, 27 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases, and is expected to play a major role again this year. Sophomore Brady Williams is ready to step into a larger role in the outfield, while juniors Honert and Marner will see time in the outfield when not playing infield. Bowers will also see time in the outfield when not catching. Freshman Carter Erickson seems poised for a big role in the outfield. Juniors Jayvin Johnson and Alex Shaw, bring intriguing tools and will compete for innings as the season progresses.

Team Strengths
We return the bulk of its innings on the mound and feature several players poised for breakout seasons. Our athleticism and aggressive baserunning will continue to apply pressure to opposing defenses, while depth across the roster provides flexibility as the season unfolds.

Conclusion
Our focus is on competing with purpose and playing to our strengths. We will be aggressive in all phases of the game, using our pitching depth, athleticism, and pressure on the bases to control the pace of play. Built on competitiveness and accountability, we expect to play fast, play tough, and compete every time we take the field. Hope to see you at Gerard's Yard this spring!

Load The Wagon!

Meet Team 76!