Red Hawks Soaring: New Turf, Lock-Down Pitching Fuel Athens Baseball’s Title Chase
TROY — 5/17/2026
It is a brand-new era for Troy Athens Varsity Baseball, and the Red Hawks are making sure the history books match the pristine quality of their new home turf.
Sitting at an impressive 18-6 overall, Head Coach Mike Morris’s squad has ridden an explosive start, elite pitching, and a flair for the dramatic right into the thick of a championship chase. Here is a look inside the unforgettable season unfolding at Athens, from the dominant arms on the mound to the high-stakes moments that are defining their spring.
The New Complex Effect
You cannot talk about the Red Hawks' success this year without talking about their new state-of-the-art field. The new complex has completely revolutionized how the team operates, providing immediate dividends before the season even officially got underway.
"It’s an amazing field and complex," Coach Morris said. "It’s allowed us to have tryouts outside, play every game on schedule so far, and it's given us a nice home field advantage."
That advantage was felt instantly. Secure on their reliable new surface, Athens blazed out of the gate, rattling off a spectacular 12-0 run to start the season and setting a fierce tone for the rest of the state.
Masterclass on the Mound
If the new field gave the Red Hawks a platform, the pitching staff has built a fortress on it. As a unit, Athens boasts a phenomenal 1.66 team ERA, shutting down opposing lineups week in and week out.
Leading the charge is senior ace Derek Smith. Smith has been virtually unhittable, putting up a 6-1 record with a microscopic 1.10 ERA. He leads the staff in innings pitched (30) and has racked up a staggering 50 strikeouts. Smith isn't just a threat from the rubber, either; he is dual-wielding dominance this year, tearing it up at the plate with a lethal .429 batting average. His stellar high school career will continue at the next level next year, as he has committed to play for Muskingum College.
He isn't the only arms dealer baffling batters. Junior standout Macklin Ciurla has emerged as a co-ace, matching Smith with 6 wins of his own alongside an outstanding 1.60 ERA. Ciurla has also proven to be a dangerous asset in the batter's box, hitting at a .317 clip.
Senior Leadership and Key Standouts
The Red Hawks' success is anchored heavily by a dedicated core of leaders who set the standard daily:
| Player | Year / Position | Season Highlights & Future Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Grayson Conrad | Senior | A terror on the basepaths, Conrad is tearing the cover off the ball with a .389 batting average and leads the team with a frantic 18 stolen bases, putting constant pressure on opposing defenses. |
| Tyler Kennaugh | Senior / SS | The shortstop has been a human highlight reel on defense, anchoring the infield with outstanding play. Kennaugh will be extending his baseball career into college next season, committing to Grace Christian University. |
| Andrew Cermak | Senior / Catcher | The backstop has done a great job managing the lights-out pitching staff from behind the plate. Cermak has also delivered when the lights are brightest, coming up with crucial hits all year—including a massive home run against crosstown rival Troy High. |
"Cardiac Kids" Create Memorable Moments
While an 18-6 record looks comfortable on paper, the journey has been a masterclass in clutch execution. Athens has transformed into the "Cardiac Kids" of Metro Detroit, with eight of their victories coming as tense, one-run wins that weren’t decided until the final frame.
Of all the dramatic finishes, two moments stand out above the rest for Coach Morris. The first was simply stepping onto the new complex for the first time to open the season. The second was an instant classic: a thrilling 3-2 walk-off victory against Troy High right in front of the home crowd.
Eyes on the Prize
With the postseason winding down, the Red Hawks have no intention of resting on their laurels. The daily mantra in the dugout is relentless self-improvement.
"The team comes every day ready to work hard and put their best foot forward to be better than they were the day before," Morris emphasized.
The ultimate goal for this tight-knit group is clear. They want to be playing their absolute best brand of baseball when the tournament brackets drop, with the singular focus of bringing a district championship trophy back to Athens. If their regular-season resilience is any indication, no one will want to draw the Red Hawks come playoff time.
