Waterloo Vikings 2026 Baseball Preview
Team Name: Waterloo Vikings
2025 Record: 7-13
Head coach Coach: Zach Rogers - 1st Year as Waterloo’s Head Coach
Coaching Staff: Kyle Biltz, Bo Cooksey, Brad Norris, Gavin Corbett, Tristyn Page
Key Returning Players: Sam Russell, Mason Biltz, Derek Hupp, Trevor Flarida, Cole Kaiser, Dalton Braybon, and Grayson Griffin.
Position Outlook:
Infield: We have a very young group that has sky high potential. Led by sophomores Trevor Flarida and Cole Kaiser up the middle, not only do we expect this duo to make a lot plays for us this season, but we also expect them to be key contributors on the mound and at the top of the lineup as well. Senior Sam Russell, Junior Derek Hupp, and Sophomore Grayson Griffin have also done an outstanding job in preseason so far and will be key contributors as well. A name to look out for is Freshman Wade Mori. Wade has been a vacuum at first base and has a very mature approach at the plate for his age.
Outfield: This group is anchored by Junior three sport athlete and team captain Mason Biltz. Mason is a special athlete who has been very impressive so far in preseason and will man centerfield when he isn’t on the bump. Junior Austin Mazur and Sophomores Dalton Braybon and Grayson Griffin will also be in the mix throughout the course of the season.
Catcher: Led by Senior Sam Russell and Sophomore Dalton Braybon, we love our depth and talent behind the plate. Both Sam and Dalton are excellent athletes and possess the key leadership traits you look for in a starting catcher. They will also be key cogs in the middle of our lineup as well.
Pitching Staff: Mason Biltz returns as a 2025 First Team Arm at the top of our rotation. Trevor Flarida and Cole Kaiser have also had a very impressive preseason and will be at the top of our staff with Mason. Derek Hupp is another name to look out for.
Season Outlook/Expectations: “While we have a very young group that doesn’t have a ton of varsity experience, this is the most competitive group of young men I have ever had the privilege to coach. They have shown up with a chip on their shoulder daily and have shown a hunger to prove themselves which has been infectious,” said Rogers. “This is a group that expects to exceed what others expectations of them are, and with how hard they have worked and how quickly they continue to improve, I believe they can do that 100%.”
Landscaping- mowing, trimming, flower beds, gravel, mulch, leaf blowing, removal of old landscaping and planting of new landscaping, Hardscaping. Excavating- trenching, downspouts, all around excavating.
