A solid blend of new players and returners has Tigers optimistic about 2025 season

After back-to-back second-place conference finishes, the Cowley College baseball team has its sights set on a conference title and a return trip to the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, CO.

Cowley finished the 2024 season with a record of 43-18 and placed second in the Jayhawk Conference behind Johnson County.

The Tiger coaching staff believes they have added the right pieces to help Cowley regain its spot atop the conference standings.

"I think we have addressed the issues from last year and increased our depth all over the field," Cowley head coach Darren Burroughs said. "I think we are a more complete team and can score in more ways than we could a year ago."

Returning for the Tigers is First Team all-conference outfielder Kade Sheldon (.394 average, five home runs, 43 runs batted in. Tallen Bagwell (4-1, 4.54 ERA) also returns after being named an Honorable Mention all-conference selection as a freshman, as was Cade Baldridge (.338 average, five home runs, 50 RBI), who was also a Gold Glove recipient at second base after committing only three errors in 223 opportunities.

Returning pitchers are Mitchell Johnson (4-1), Barrett Morgan (six saves, 4.03 ERA), Mark Hoffman (seven appearances), Delton Roberts (2-1, 5.23 ERA), and Ethan Roberts, who has signed with Oral Roberts University.

Outfielders Seth Dandridge (.342 average, 28 RBI) and Ian Luce (.318 average, 21 RBI) also return, as does infielder Dawson Williams (.402 average, 22 RBI).

"We expect the sophomores to step up more than they did as freshmen," Burroughs said. "We hope they make that extra jump."

Designated hitter/first baseman Dane Harvey (.352 average, 13 home runs, 58 RBI), who signed early with Ohio State University, suffered a season-ending injury before the start of the season.

Quinn Groebl from Blue Valley North High School and others are expected to help fill Harvey's spot at first base.

"Someone needs to step up and fill the role Dane was going to have," Burroughs said.

Cowley also added transfers Carter Freeland, Luke Schimmels, and Caleb DeLong.

The Tigers will open the season by playing six games in Texas before returning to Arkansas City.

"The freshmen will have to grow up in a hurry," Burroughs said. "The early season schedule should prepare us for conference play."

Kyler Zagar, Lucas Weaver, and Keegan Robertson are among the freshmen pitchers who will look to make an immediate impact. Other players on the roster are outfielders Cameron Mock, Drake Fittro, Dax McCaskill, Logan Smith, and Weston Thomas, and pitchers Kayden Campbell, Lucas Weaver, Chance Acord, Jack Hamm, Russ Smith, Bryant Siemens, Cameron Mock, and Ty Parker.

Infielders Robert Diaz, Cale Winfrey, Tanner Fallwell, and Creed Muirhead round out the rest of the position players.

"We have a lot of options at different positions," Burroughs said. "Pitching and defense is always ahead at this time of year.:

Cowley assistant coach Brock Buckingham believes the Tigers' offseason made them stronger, and the guys seem to be embracing everything that is thrown at them.

"The buy-in of what we do here has been much better," Buckingham said. "We hope the returning players carry us early in the season."