INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College baseball team will open the 2021-22 season predicted to finish fifth in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, as announced by the league office on Thursday afternoon. The Panthers accumulated 65 points in the annual Preseason Coaches Poll, 12 points behind Ohio Dominican and three ahead of Walsh.
 
The Panthers have been a staple at Prasco Park, the site of the G-MAC Championship Tournament, making it to Championship Saturday four out of the last five tournaments. Wesleyan posted a 24-16 record last season with a 19-9 mark in the G-MAC. However, it will be a new look group as the Panthers will be without eight of last season's opening day starters.
 
The cornerstone of the team will be one of the best hitters in the G-MAC, Ben Wilcoxson. Wilcoxson held a .372 average last season with 12 doubles, two triples, 26 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. The Panthers' everyday shortstop ranked sixth in the league last season in batting average. Robert Chayka solidified a spot in the outfield last season and posted a .352 average with nine doubles, a tripe, and 16 RBIs.
 
Transfers Kyle Richardson. Cameron Langston, and Kyle Werries will be in the mix to bolster the Panthers' lineup while Jaret Humphrey will see more action. Humphrey hit three homeruns and drove-in 13 in 18 games last season. Jacob Adams is back as well to provide a consistent bat and assist with the outfield duties.
 
On the mound Seth Wright comes back with the most experience as he recorded a 4.50 ERA last year while posting an impressive 5-1 record, including a win over the reigning G-MAC Champions, Trevecca Nazarene. Wright completed 42 innings last season with 44 strikeouts and .214 batting average against.
 
Rylan Thomas was Head Coach Todd Lillpop's first calls to pen in 2021. Thomas made 12 appearances, completing 23.2 innings while holding a 3.80 ERA. Ike Speiser, Benton McGill, Nolan Johnson, Austin Baugh, and situational lefty Nate Cunningham will continue to be the experience the pitching staff will lean on throughout the season. Transfer Brayden Bush and freshman Isaac Rose will also be able to eat-up some innings this season. The Panthers still have Drake Hamil at the backend to closeout games.

The Panthers open the 2022 campaign on February 11th at Lincoln Memorial. 
 
Great Midwest Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll presented by Under Armour
 
1.            Trevecca Nazarene (4 first-place votes) – 91 points
2.            Ashland (2 first-place votes) – 82 points
3.            Tiffin (4 first-place votes) – 81 points
4.            Ohio Dominican (1 first-place vote) – 77 points
5.            Kentucky Wesleyan – 65 points
6.            Walsh – 62 points
7.            Hillsdale – 47 points
8.            Malone – 37 points
9.            Findlay – 27 points
10.          Cedarville – 23 points
11.          Lake Erie – 13 points
 
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