GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- With a strong senior core and a focus on the fundamentals, the Union High School baseball team is entering the season confident that this group can take a major step forward in the OK Gold this season.
Senior catcher Dennis Helmus said the team’s approach starts with effort, a philosophy the Redhawks have been putting into practice from day one. Pitcher and first baseman Ryan McGavin added that the focus is on “making sure we’re doing the little things right.” Shortstop Brayden Kwaiser stressed the importance of maintaining consistency both in practice and during games.
This year’s roster features several experienced seniors, including Helmus, McGavin, Kwaiser, Jakob Humphrey (pitcher/left field), Justin Hilliard (center field), and Caleb Jaracz (second base), along with junior Brayden Riness (third base). Many of these players have competed together for years, and they credit their chemistry as one of the team’s greatest strengths.
“I think the chemistry is better,” McGavin said.
Hilliard noted that this connection has also made the team more competitive.
“Everybody just wants to win,” Hilliard said.
That mindset shapes the team’s outlook for the season. Players are focused on improving last year’s results, adding more wins, and climbing the conference standings. Seniors like Kwaiser and Riness, both of whom earned conference honors last season, also hope to achieve all-conference recognition through consistent play.
“I love everyone the same, and I just really want to have fun,” Kwaiser said. His words highlight the camaraderie that defines the program.
The Redhawks will also benefit from talented newcomers who bring energy to the field. Freshman Connor Schoen, a standout at the middle school level, is expected to see varsity time this season. Despite being new to the team, he is already showing the competitive drive that defines Union baseball.
“I’m going to compete every pitch,” Schoen said. “Every pitch I take off is a chance to let the team down.”
With seniors setting the tone and younger players ready to contribute, the Redhawks enter spring with a mix of experience and energy that promises a season full of opportunity.
