Lycoming News

Under the guidance of Coach Chris Howard, the Wildcats secured their sixth consecutive playoff appearance this season and achieved a second-place finish in the conference for the third time since 2017. The team ended with an overall record of 22-20 and a United East (UE) mark of 16-8, which led to Howard receiving UE Coach of the Year honors. Over his 17-year tenure, Howard's teams have amassed a record of 342-244.

Senior player Jacob Carles from Bernville made history by becoming the second player in the program's NCAA era to earn four all-conference selections. He maintained a batting average of .362 for the season and became the first player in program history to achieve 200 hits.

Other notable performances came from senior Brian Robison from Quakertown, who batted .400; junior Chance Webb from Hughesville, who posted a 6-2 record on the mound with a 5.73 ERA and struck out 49; sophomore Quinn Hanafin from Sayre, who batted .376 with a team-leading 17 doubles and 39 RBIs; senior Tyler Rudolph from Hemlock, New York, who hit ten home runs; sophomore relief pitcher Zac Weaver from Pottstown, who was 6-1 with a 6.25 ERA; and senior pitcher Justin Porter from Fairless Hills, who led with 50 strikeouts and had a 4.38 ERA.

Although this is Howard's first United East Coach of the Year award, he has been named Coach of the Year twice before during his career—in both 2008 and 2009—when his teams competed in the Penn State University Athletic Conference. His teams have achieved eleven seasons with at least twenty wins over that period, including four since joining NCAA play in the academic year starting in fall of 2014. The Wildcats claimed the UE championship in 2015 and finished as runners-up in subsequent years: notably in this current year as well as previously in both 2017 and again in '18; they also took third place last year.

Looking ahead to future seasons, Howard commented on what it will take for success: "In short, pitching. You can never have enough arms." With many players graduating this year but an outstanding incoming class alongside quality returning players expected next year—Howard expressed enthusiasm about developing these athletes further: "I'm really excited about opportunity develop next bunch."