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MOOSIC — Western Wayne struggled a bit during the early portion of the 2025 Lackawanna League baseball season.
A combination of youth and inexperience led directly to several close losses and sent the Wildcats spiraling toward the bottom of the Division II standings.
However, under the direction of veteran head coach John Boandl, the squad eventually cohered and became the team no one wanted to play in the Class AAA tournament.
Now, 10 months later, the ‘Cats are poised for a 2026 campaign that promises to see them take the next step and possibly challenge for a league title.
“I’m super-excited for the season,” Boandl said at Lackawanna League Media Day, held March 1 at PNC Field. “I think we left things in a good place last year. We have a bunch of talented young players and I can’t wait to get out on the field and see what they can do.”
More: Local high school baseball and softball teams attend 2026 Media Day
Also by Kevin Edwards: Hall of Fame Honesdale baseball and softball coach Fred Light passes away at 82
Weather permitting, Western Wayne will host its first scrimmage March 18 against Forest City. Action gets underway at 4:30 p.m. in Varden.
Western Wayne was well-represented at this year’s edition of Media Day, which was once again organized by North Pocono skipper Brian Jardine.
Five Wildcats made the trek to Moosic for an event that attracted players and coaches from 30 District 2 teams.
Damian Glackin is the ace of Western Wayne’s pitching staff.
A hard-throwing junior righty, Glackin notched four varsity wins last spring. The biggest of those came in the district playoffs when he authored a complete game four-hitter on the road at Lake Lehman, allowing just four hits and fanning seven.
“Damian is a really good young pitcher,” Boandl said. “He has command of three pitches and can throw them for strikes in any count. Damian came on really strong last year and he’s going to have a big junior season.”
Jamison McCollum burst onto the scene as a freshman last spring and made an immediate impact on the mound. The crafty right-hander won a pair of road games at Wyoming Area and Forest City.
“This kid has a really bright future,” Boandl said. “Jamison is very good at hitting his spots and keeping batters off-balance.”
Andrew Boandl is another member of a talented sophomore class. He cracked the varsity line-up last year and is expected to man first base this season.
“I think the best thing about Andrew as a hitter is that he’s really tough to strike out,” Boandl said. “Andrew makes hard contact pretty much every at-bat.”
Alex DeCandis is a senior and three year varsity starter. He’s a versatile athlete who will see action both in centerfield and behind the plate. DeCandis contributed key plays last season offensively, defensively and on the base paths.
“Alex is an Old School baseball player,” Boandl said. “He gives 100 percent every time he steps on the field. Alex will do anything he can to help the team. He’s the kind of kid you love to coach.”
Vinny Baldini is another senior who’s been a fixture on the varsity squad the past three years. He’s a prototypical power hitter who’s found a home as the starting left fielder.
“We’re definitely expecting big things from Vinny this season,” Boandl said. “He’s a hard worker with a ton of power at the plate. Vinny has a lot of big game experience so he’ll be a leader for us this year.”
Western Wayne opened some eyes around the region last season by advancing to the Class AAA semifinals.
The Wildcats are looking to build on that success this spring in both league and district action. They’ll once again be competing in a loaded Division II against the likes of Honesdale, Riverside, Dunmore and Lakeland.
Mid Valley went 13-1 en route to the divisional title in 2025, but the Spartans may be looking over their shoulder a bit in 2026.
“We’re going to be relying on quite a few young players this year,” Boandl said. “But, I know what these kids are capable of and I have a lot of confidence in them.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Lackawanna League baseball Division II Western Wayne Wildcats
Continue reading...
A combination of youth and inexperience led directly to several close losses and sent the Wildcats spiraling toward the bottom of the Division II standings.
However, under the direction of veteran head coach John Boandl, the squad eventually cohered and became the team no one wanted to play in the Class AAA tournament.
Now, 10 months later, the ‘Cats are poised for a 2026 campaign that promises to see them take the next step and possibly challenge for a league title.
“I’m super-excited for the season,” Boandl said at Lackawanna League Media Day, held March 1 at PNC Field. “I think we left things in a good place last year. We have a bunch of talented young players and I can’t wait to get out on the field and see what they can do.”
More: Local high school baseball and softball teams attend 2026 Media Day
Also by Kevin Edwards: Hall of Fame Honesdale baseball and softball coach Fred Light passes away at 82
Weather permitting, Western Wayne will host its first scrimmage March 18 against Forest City. Action gets underway at 4:30 p.m. in Varden.
In the spotlight
Western Wayne was well-represented at this year’s edition of Media Day, which was once again organized by North Pocono skipper Brian Jardine.
Five Wildcats made the trek to Moosic for an event that attracted players and coaches from 30 District 2 teams.
Damian Glackin is the ace of Western Wayne’s pitching staff.
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A hard-throwing junior righty, Glackin notched four varsity wins last spring. The biggest of those came in the district playoffs when he authored a complete game four-hitter on the road at Lake Lehman, allowing just four hits and fanning seven.
“Damian is a really good young pitcher,” Boandl said. “He has command of three pitches and can throw them for strikes in any count. Damian came on really strong last year and he’s going to have a big junior season.”
Jamison McCollum burst onto the scene as a freshman last spring and made an immediate impact on the mound. The crafty right-hander won a pair of road games at Wyoming Area and Forest City.
“This kid has a really bright future,” Boandl said. “Jamison is very good at hitting his spots and keeping batters off-balance.”
Andrew Boandl is another member of a talented sophomore class. He cracked the varsity line-up last year and is expected to man first base this season.
“I think the best thing about Andrew as a hitter is that he’s really tough to strike out,” Boandl said. “Andrew makes hard contact pretty much every at-bat.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Alex DeCandis is a senior and three year varsity starter. He’s a versatile athlete who will see action both in centerfield and behind the plate. DeCandis contributed key plays last season offensively, defensively and on the base paths.
“Alex is an Old School baseball player,” Boandl said. “He gives 100 percent every time he steps on the field. Alex will do anything he can to help the team. He’s the kind of kid you love to coach.”
Vinny Baldini is another senior who’s been a fixture on the varsity squad the past three years. He’s a prototypical power hitter who’s found a home as the starting left fielder.
“We’re definitely expecting big things from Vinny this season,” Boandl said. “He’s a hard worker with a ton of power at the plate. Vinny has a lot of big game experience so he’ll be a leader for us this year.”
High expectations
Western Wayne opened some eyes around the region last season by advancing to the Class AAA semifinals.
The Wildcats are looking to build on that success this spring in both league and district action. They’ll once again be competing in a loaded Division II against the likes of Honesdale, Riverside, Dunmore and Lakeland.
Mid Valley went 13-1 en route to the divisional title in 2025, but the Spartans may be looking over their shoulder a bit in 2026.
“We’re going to be relying on quite a few young players this year,” Boandl said. “But, I know what these kids are capable of and I have a lot of confidence in them.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Lackawanna League baseball Division II Western Wayne Wildcats
Continue reading...
