By: Connor Castle

BUCKHANNON, WV — The West Virginia Wesleyan College baseball team enters the season with renewed optimism, largely thanks to a strong blend of upperclassmen and freshman who are ready to leave their mark on the program. 

Team leaders like Ian Norris, a senior recovering from his knee injury, are playing a pivotal role not only on the field but also in shaping the team’s culture. Norris, who has been with the program for several years, believes that the team’s greatest strength lies in the camaraderie and leadership of the older players.

“I believe that one of our team’s greatest strengths is that we have a tight-knit group of older guys who are wanting to play for each other and give it our all on the field,” Norris said. “We’re not just playing for ourselves—we’re playing for each other, and that makes a difference.”

But it’s not just the upperclassmen that are creating excitement. Norris also has high hopes for the freshman class, stating that the newcomers have the potential to make a lasting impact on the team and program. With the culture shift that has been taking place over the past few years, Norris feels the freshmen have the ability to continue what the older players have started and help build a winning foundation for future seasons.

“The culture change over the past few years has finally started to make an impact. I feel like many of the guys are really starting to understand their roles on the team, and they want to play their part,” Norris said. “I think the freshmen can help continue this momentum and shift the culture even more over the next few years.”

As a seasoned athlete, Norris sees his position on the squad developing into a mentoring role. Even though he is currently recuperating from surgery, Norris is committed to supporting the team’s positive atmosphere and helping the younger players grow..

“Personally, I feel like I’ll be contributing more in a mentoring role. I want to pour into the younger guys, help them grow both on and off the field,” Norris said. “I’m going to play my part when I get the chance and capitalize on every opportunity I have. But at this point, it’s about helping these guys get better, developing the culture, and making sure we all work together for the team.”

With the leadership of veterans like Norris and the influx of energetic players on the team, the West Virginia Wesleyan College baseball team is poised to continue its cultural shift and remain competitive in their league. The foundation has been set, and now it’s up to the entire team to execute and rise to the challenge in the 2025 season.

During the spring break they will play five games in Florida: 

Tiffin University March 1st, Roosevelt University March 2nd, California University of Pennsylvania, March 4th, Florida Tech March 5 and, Maloney University March 6.

Photo creds: Wvwcbaseball on insta