Whitehall has some big shoes to fill if it's to defend its 2024 district championship. The state's all-time stolen base leader, Kyle Stratton, has graduated, as has the Vikings' top pitcher, Ryne Christensen. Both are now playing college sports. Whitehall also lost expected starter Ryan Goodrich to an injury suffered during football season.
However, the cupboard isn't bare. Whitehall brings back a few key veterans and has high hopes for its up-and-comers.
Brock Morningstar, who made the all-West Michigan Conference Lakes first team last spring, and Evan Thomas look to be the team's conference pitchers, and southpaw catcher Eli Winters is back after a solid freshman campaign. Senior Myles Welch brings experience and will spend some time on the mound this season.
"We will rely on Morningstar and Thomas to be big arms for us," Whitehall assistant coach Zach Zweigle said. "Welch will pick up lots of non-league innings. Winters returns a solid bat and some valued experience behind the dish."
While the Vikings are relying on several newcomers, some of them are already experienced athletes in other sports, which could shorten the learning curve. Max Krukowski, Cody Manzo and Hunter Peterson are among the familiar names looking to make their marks on the diamond.
Whitehall also will test itself throughout the season. The WMC Lakes should be a tough race; the Vikings were one game behind conference champ Oakridge a year ago. Bigger schools such as Allendale, Mona Shores, Zeeland West and Traverse City West, as well as area foe Reeths-Puffer, will give Whitehall a good look at high-caliber competition. The Vikings get to host this year's district tournament, which could be an advantage.
"We're looking to compete for a top spot in the conference - Oakridge returns some talented ballplayers - and peak in time to fight through a tough district, including Fruitport and Oakridge," Zweigle said.
