Editor’s note: This is the sixth and final in a series of stories about seniors on the 2024 Hiland Hawk’s team. We regret not having written longer individual features on Wyatt, Ryan and Jamin, but time pressure has prohibited us from doing so. Eyeoncleveland.com will not be at Lancaster; however, we’re working with others to provide some brief coverage of the games on the following day.

WYATT MILLER

A four-year player for the Hawks, Wyatt credits his father Logan for being his first coach and for sparking his love for baseball.

“I started (playing) the year before kindergarten, about 13 or 14 years (ago),” he says.

Wyatt has seen more playing time recently as his game has improved.

“As a staff, we coaches have talked about the great jumps and improvements and competing for playing time (from Wyatt),” says Hiland Coach Chris Dages. “He’s been very impressive growing and developing over the past four years. He wants to face the best and help his team win.”

Although his .229 average isn’t overly impressive, Miller has a keen eye at the plate. He’s drawn four walks and been hit by a pitch four times as well.

Miller has appeared in three-fourths of Hiland’s 28 games (so far) this season. He’s been in the starting line-up more frequently in recent weeks, as his bat has been getting hotter just as the Hawks have progressed through the post-season.

Wyatt had a hit, a sacrifice fly, and scored a run in Hiland’s come-from-behind 8-5 victory over Strasburg-Franklin in the District final on May 22. In the District semifinal 12-1 victory against Toronto on May 20, Wyatt had two hits – including a double – and two RBIs.

“Wyatt has been swinging the bat well…,” Dages adds. “He’s a solid defender. He’s been working his tail off for the last week-and-a-half. He’s making small adjustments, and it’s really coming together for him.”

After graduation, Wyatt plans to work at the family-owned Millersburg Tire Service.

Hear Wyatt’s interview here:

RYAN TROYER

Perhaps no one is more vocal and encouraging of his teammates than Ryan Troyer. Ryan has played baseball since kindergarten, and says his most influential coach has been his father Jake Troyer.

“Ryan is one of the hardest workers on this team,” says Coach Chris Dages. “He can play first, third, catch, and he’s a catcher for us in the bullpen.

When he’s not in the line-up, he’s really in the game from the bench, calling out situations and coverage for us,” Dages adds. He’s been a steady, four-year player for us.”

Two of Ryan’s favorite memories with the Hawks are winning the state championship and also winning the Beast of the East tournament in West Virginia over the July 4^th weekend in 2022.

Troyer has played in eight games so far in 2024. He has high expectations for Hiland.

“I feel really good about where we’re going this year,” he says. “We have a good bunch of pitchers again.”

Hear Ryan’s interview here:

JAMIN TROYER

Hiland’s prospects are in good hands when Jamin Troyer is on the mound. Jamin has a microscopic 0.75 ERA in 18 games of action on the mound. He has a 3-0 won-loss record.

Additionally, he has a .308 batting average in 14 games at the plate.

“I’ve been playing all my life, but I took a skip year last year,” Jamin says. “I decided to play again this year, and I couldn’t ask for a better baseball team to be a part of”

Coach Chris Dages praises Troyer’s athleticism and his attitude as well.

“Jamin … quit last year to work, but now he’s back. He’s always been a strong pitcher for us,” Dages says.” He is one of the best strike throwers on our staff, and has a good fastball, and his curveball is really sharp. He can play second for us, and he played third in our senior game. He’s very versatile.”

Troyer praises assistant coach Richie Mast for helping him and other Hawks players improve. “Richie Mast has given us all such good lessons. He knows the sport of baseball really well.”

Jamin feels that the Hawks of 2024 are as good or even better than the 2023 state championship squad. “Our team has the same amount of potential (as last year’s), maybe even more,” he says.

After graduation, Jamin plans to work as an electrician or in HVAC.

Hear Jamin’s interview here:

eyeoncleveland.com expresses a big THANK YOU to Derrick Troyer, Troyer Media, for photos of Jamin Troyer and Ryan Troyer.