Things are going to look different in the Mathews dugout this year.

After losing an entire batting order’s worth of seniors, that’s to be expected.

While the lineup is going to be vastly different, the Mustangs are optimistic about the new core shifting into place and are thinking “reload” rather than “rebuild.”

That being said, things won’t fall into place right away. With nine new starters, there will be an adjustment period, but there’s enough talent to keep coach Jared Terlecky optimistic.

“We’re going to be starting nine new players. I have some good ballplayers. They’ll be good. It’s just a matter of them having to adjust to the varsity game. They haven’t had their chance yet,” Terlecky said. “When you’re behind the talent we’ve had in the last couple of years, it’s hard to break through and make your mark. We’ll be definitely looking forward to seeing how they’ll grow throughout the year, and I would expect we’ll be a lot better team as the season progresses.”

One of those players that is expected to make a real impact this season is Dom Toto. The junior missed all of last season following a shoulder injury sustained during football season.

Toto has been the “Mr. Everything” for Mathews across multiple sports, and the same can be expected with baseball.

As the junior works his way back from injury, his role will grow. For now though, expect Toto to primarily occupy one of the outfield spots.

While missing 2023, Toto has a leg up because he played as a freshman. With Toto as an option, there’s an added excitement to the program.

“I mean, Dom was a pretty special player to be able to crack the lineup as a freshman. He was one of those kids, when he first practiced you could tell he belonged (with the varsity group),” Terlecky said. “It was a big blow not to have him last year, and I know it really bothered him that he didn’t get to play and everything. Since he’s been back in practice, you can just tell. He’s like a little kid, just happy to be back.”

One of Mathews’ top arms this season is junior Gabe Pesa. Pesa was in the rotation last season, but will be taking on a much larger role this season.

Other players to watch for include seniors Jayden Perkins and Billy Woodall playing in the infield, senior Eli Halutick in the outfield, junior Patrick Mrofchak as an option on the mound, and sophomore Caleb Nicula behind home plate. Nicula is an option all over the field with his versatility.

Even with all the fresh faces, the expectations are the same. Like every year, the Mustangs expect the league and district to be in play.

“Our expectations are to compete for a league championship, and to compete for a district championship. Our goals are obviously to win both but the expectation is that we expect to be in the mix,” Terlecky said. “I’ve been here 21 years, since Dan Kennedy brought me in when I was fresh out of college. And our expectations every year have been that we want to be in the mix for the league championship with a chance to win and going in the last week or two, if we control our own destiny, we’ve had a successful year. If we can get to districts and hopefully have a chance in there, then we’ve had a successful year. Then if you can win it, obviously it’s a real successful year. That’s where we’re at. A school like ours, we have the kids that we have, it’s a small school and we take the best kids that like baseball and try to put the best team out that we can.”

While lacking the heavy hitters of some of their past schedules, no Torontos or Kennedys in the mix, Mathews is still giving itself a tough challenge with the schedule this season.

With home-and-home sets against Western Reserve and Ravenna Southeast, contests with Newton Falls, Jackson-Milton, Mineral Ridge, and Lowellville, amongst always tough league foes Bristol and Pymatuning Valley, there’s still no shortage of tests for the up-and-coming Mustangs.

Mathews opens up the season on Monday at Ashtabula St. John. Wednesday is the team’s home opener as they play host to league rival Maplewood. Start time is set for 5 p.m.

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