Defending OHSAA Div. IV State Champs
Hiland preparing for another strong season

By JOHN KEREZY, eyeoncleveland.com founder

BERLIN – A senior-laded Berlin baseball team skyrocketed to a 30-1 record and the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s Division IV state title in 2023. Using the manner by which coaches assess such things – how much action departing seniors saw — the 2024 season could be a challenging one.

“Last year’s seniors accounted for about 75 percent of the innings pitches and about 45 percent of the at-bats for us,” says Chris Dages, who’s in his year of leading the Hawks. “There are some big holes to fill.”

For Hiland, the mindset and philosophy of the coaching staff and the players isn’t about rebuilding. Instead it has been focused on reloading. That process began the week after Hiland defeated Russia 14-4 back on June 10 to take the Division IV crown. It began with summer baseball tournaments and in the weight room.

“The guys had a great summer; they went 31-2 and won a couple of weekend tournaments along the way,” Dages says. “We moved some guys around in the field to prepare them for possible position changes this spring, and some younger players blended in well with our veterans.”

Five returning seniors will be in key roles for the Hawks: Cody Yoder, Wyatt Miller, Connor Beachy, Finn Schneider and Brady Yoder. Cody is recovering from a UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) injury last year. “Our hope is to have him on the mound by midseason and in top form for the tournament,” Dages says.

Wyatt, who saw action in the outfield in 2023, will be a mainstay in one of the outfield spots for the team. Connor could also be in the outfield or at second base. “Connor’s a versatile player who can be plugged in almost anywhere,” Dages adds. “His speed on the basepaths should cause problems for opposing defenses this spring.”

Finn, one of the team’s most experienced pitchers, will be back on the mound this year. Brady will move from his third base position last year to shortstop. “His strong fundamentals and knowledge of the game make him a natural leader in the middle of the infield,” Dages says.

Other returning players include juniors Caden Coblentz, Colin Coblentz, Keden Kandel, Luke Hershberter and Danny Hostetler.  Cody Yoder, Colin Coblentz, Beachy and Brady Yoder all saw significant playing time in the Hawks’ run to the state title last season, so their leadership and experience will be essential to the team’s success.

Dages and the coaching staff have the Hawks playing a difficult schedule this spring, one that’s aimed at improving the team as District tournament time approaches. Hiland has a doubleheader scheduled against 2023 OHSAA Division II state champion Kenston on March 30. It will oppose Division I Louisville on April 9, and will oppose Lake Center Christian at Canal Park on April 13. Neighboring Waynedale, OHSAA Division II state champion, visits Berlin on May 3.

“We always try to put together a challenging schedule in order to prepare us for the state tournament at the end of the season,” Dages explains. “I feel that this year’s schedule is one of the best we’ve had in years.”

Will the Hawks be ready for the challenges of such a schedule? Dages thinks so.

“We believe that with the guys coming back, along with some new faces, we’ll be more than capable,” he says.

This is the first in a series of articles which eyeoncleveland.com will be publishing in the spring of 2024 on the Hiland Hawks. This story was originally written for the Holmes County “Bargain Hunter” newspaper, and appeared in that publication first.