The varsity baseball season across the county is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. The Maryland 3A region features several strong teams, including 2024 state champions Magruder, 2023 state champions Sherwood, and a highly anticipated contender this year, Damascus. The Patriots will need to bring their best effort in every game if they hope to keep up with these powerhouses this year.
The players are embracing the challenge, understanding that success won’t come overnight but will be the result of consistent hard work and perseverance. They have already shown flashes of what they are capable of, with an impressive 5-0 scrimmage win against Pikeville on Mar. 15. Jake Allen, a potential freshman on varsity, led the defense with only one hit allowed through three innings pitched. But it was senior Jack Kerns who was the x-factor of this game, bringing in two runs batted in on offense.
The varsity team’s first regular-season game on Mar. 21 against a strong 4A Quince Orchard team will serve as an early test for this young squad. Facing a strong opponent on the road right out of the gate, the Patriots will need to execute their game plan and show resilience under pressure. “Early challenges are always important in building the identity of a team. We got a good group of guys, so I know we are ready to step up and perform,” junior infielder Josh Reid said.
Seniors Matthew Kunst and Luke Brunner, both right-handed pitchers and returning varsity starters, are bound to lead the team by example. Both players are expected to play in college, Kunst having already committed to Marymount University in early October. “Our goal is to play as a unit and compete at a high level. We have a young team, but that just means we have a lot of potential to grow. The key will be learning from every game and trusting each other every time we take the field,” Kunst said.
One of the biggest focuses of the team in the off-season was getting in better physical shape. During the winter off-season the team held conditioning workouts for returning and incoming players every Tuesday and Thursday. Their lifts focused on increasing their bat speed, while their runs on the field focused on improving their explosiveness on the basepaths, which could give Wootton an edge in tight games. “Getting stronger was one of my main goals this offseason, as I know it would allow me to exert more power in the box and on the mound,” Kunst said.
As the season begins, the team is motivated to prove themselves against some of the best competition in the state. With a mix of experienced returners and a group of talented newcomers from JV, they have the potential to make a deep run if they can continue to grow as a team. The road ahead won’t be easy, but the players and coaching staff are confident in their ability to rise to the occasion. The key will be staying disciplined, learning from early challenges, and maintaining the energy and intensity they’ve displayed so far. If they can do that, this could be a season to remember.
