Baseball Season Preview

It’s hard to follow up a season when the team finishes 37-19 and in the top 4 in the nation, but that is the task first year Head Coach Russ Stupienski has this season.  Stupienski is a familiar face for the Vikings baseball team, having served as Assistant Coach for the team for nine years.  Stupienski was also as a catcher and relief pitcher for the Vikings for two seasons in 2009-2010 before transferring to St. Peter’s University to continue his baseball career.

The Vikings lost 10 of 12 every day players, but have been working hard since mid-January.  Their goals remain the same as the previous season: win the Region and the District and advance to the JUCO World Series.  Despite the inexperience of many of Stupienski’s players, he believes there is “plenty of talent to take us where we want to go.”

Key returning players offensively for the Vikings include sophomore catcher Brayden Meskill (Hamilton, NJ/Notre Dame) and sophomore outfielder Dan Ciotti (Trenton, NJ/Pennsbury HS).  Freshman infielder Joe Gmitter (Trenton, NJ/Steinert), sophomore transfer infielders Jalen Perez (Chesapeke, VA/Western Branch HS) and Hunter Rivera (Lawrenceville, NJ/Lawrence HS) are also expected to make strong contributions at the plate.  The outfield is lead by Ciotti and freshman Nick Harley (Newtown, PA/Upper Dublin HS).

On the mound, sophomores Brett Mutz (Swathmore, PA/Strath Haven HS) and Dan Errigo (Penndel, PA/Neshaminy HS) and freshman transfer Joe Dimino (Millstone Township, NJ/Allentown HS) will lead the starting rotation.  Mutz earned 1 ^st Team All-GSAC (Garden State Athletic Conference) and 2 ^nd Team All-Region 19 honors last season and led the team in wins (7) and innings pitched (52.1).

Sophomores Andrew Luczak (East Windsor, NJ/Hightstown) and Ryan Conover (Hamilton Square, NJ/Notre Dame) and freshman Matteo Gravano (Palmrya, NJ/Palmyra HS) will be key relief pitchers in the bullpen. Conover was named to the NJCAA Division II World Series All-Tournament Team last year, following strong relief outings at the World Series.  Conover led the Vikings pitchers in appearances (22) and relief innings pitched (38.1)

The Vikings open their season on Sunday, February 26 ^th with a doubleheader vs UConn Avery Point.  The Vikings schedule has 50 games including 8 games in Myrtle Beach March 10 ^th-14 ^th.  The Vikings final home games are a doubleheader vs Lackawanna on April 29 ^th and their final regular season game is May 3 ^rd at RCSJ Gloucester. 

Stupienski will be assisted by Tyler Kmeic, Ross Talbot, and Matt Zegari, all returning from last year’s World Series team and Rich Carabelli, a recent addition to the coaching staff.

The Vikings enter the season ranked 8th nationally in the Division II NJCAA Baseball Preseason Rankings.

Left handed pitcher Brett Mutz

Relief pitcher Ryan Conover

Outfielder Dan Ciotti

Catcher Brayden Meskill

Relief pitcher Andrew Luczak