This year’s baseball team is looking forward to a strong season despite the loss of several key seniors last year. Their section record at the time of the interview was 1-0. Their current record for the section is 3-7. 

Seniors Logan Badac and Ian Harclerode represented seniors Zack Wiles, Mason Schrecengost, Kaden Scheeren, and the rest of the team at the interview. 

Ian described the first section game against Freeport as “slightly scary” in the beginning, but he noted their comeback in the final two innings. He and Logan agreed that the River Hawks have a chance to make it to the playoffs this year as long as they maintain their performance. 

They are both looking forward to the games against Franklin Regional and Fox Chapel. 

“We lost a lot of good leaders last year, but we’ve been able to keep a good core,” said Logan. He described this year’s team chemistry as good. 

Ian said the team bonds on bus rides and during wiffle ball games at the end of their season. 

Logan’s favorite parts about the sport of baseball are the variables and uncertainty — essentially, the technical side. 

“It always seems to get more exciting,” agreed Ian. 

Typically, only diehard sports fans appreciate the technicalities. What may appear like a rash decision from an athlete may in actuality be a thoroughly calculated and intentional action. AHS Senior Jordan Harmon supported this view during the varsity bowling interview in the Winter Issue. Baseball, like bowling, is a sport that many fail to appreciate in full. 

Logan’s favorite memory from baseball was making it to the playoffs after beating Kiski last year. Ian’s favorite memories were the bus rides home after away-game wins. 

Logan said he’s been playing baseball since he was three years old. When he left the hospital after being born, he went to his brother’s tee ball games, and the rest has been history. 

“[Baseball] is the biggest part of who I am,” he said.

Similarly, Ian has been playing baseball for fourteen years. He continued playing when his talents started to develop. 

Logan is committed to La Roche University to play baseball, and Ian said he will most likely continue playing the sport. They said the coming years of baseball at Armstrong will bring more success eventually. 

Logan complimented the junior high program, but Ian mentioned the recent shortage of players. 

“Keep your head down. Work hard,” said Logan to the underclassmen.

“Definitely get in the gym,” added Ian. While progress isn’t immediate, it will make a world of difference in the long run.