by Max Edelman
Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s season preview series.
And this is how the game ends. Bases loaded, 2 outs
Final: LuHi 14, Portledge 4
LuHi captures 3rd consecutive PSAA Championship pic.twitter.com/XU3YEjzlvW
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 11, 2023
In a school known around the country for its basketball, the Long Island Lutheran Crusaders are beginning to make their mark on a different sport. Head coach Shaun Manning, who is entering his fifth year at Long Island Lutheran, who is fresh off winning his third straight PSAA championship, looked back on last season, and looked ahead to the future.
“Last season we won the PSAA championship for the third time in a row.” Manning said. “We lost in the quarterfinals in the state tournament. But for the first time in the history of the school, we won three league championships in a row. It was another successful season, we continued to upgrade our schedule. A lot of promising things in our freshmen, and we had a great senior class.”
Manning was quick to point out the success of his senior class. Four of the key contributors on his team last year were seniors. Of those seniors, one is continuing their baseball career at the college level. Tommy Bressmer, who was the league MVP last year, is now playing at Saint Peter’s in New Jersey. He led the team in RBIs last season.
End of 1: A 30 minute first inning comes to a close – LuHi Crusaders score 9 runs here’s a 2-R triple by Marcus Harrison to cap the scoring pic.twitter.com/c78AH0U38g
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 11, 2023
While there were only four seniors on the Crusaders last year, there are even fewer in 2024 – three. However, those seniors are important contributors to Long Island Lutheran. Senior Marcus Harrison, is committed to playing at Bentley after this season. Harrison led the team in batting average (.438). Ivan Epps will be playing at Manhattan after the season. Manning also mentioned senior Troy Viligis and sophomores Matthew Muzikant and Matt Garib as additional key pieces for the team. Viligis led the team in ERA (0.78) and Muzikant led the team in wins (4).
In terms of the pitching staff, the Crusaders are loaded with pitchers, as nine members of Long Island Lutheran are capable of stepping onto the mound and pitching for the team.
RHP Ivan Epps (Long Island Lutheran 2024) commits to Manhattan College pic.twitter.com/Dl8bxZZLg6
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 12, 2023
“Pitching is deep.” Manning said. “We have nine guys that can pitch.”
The pitching staff will be led by a combination of returning players, as well as new transfers into the school. Along with Epps, Viligis, Muzikant and Garib who will all be big parts of the pitching staff, Fred Von Bargen, a left-hander, is new to the school, and will likely be part of the Crusaders’ pitching staff in some form.
For the lineup, much like the rotation, it will be led by a group of returners, but also some newcomers as well, as shortstop will likely be occupied by freshman Kayden Bates. Sophomore transfer Tyler Persampire could find time behind the plate. Manning also mentioned several freshmen that have the potential to be impact players for the Crusaders over the next number of years including Dylan Lanceberg and Mark Argentina.
For a school that is known nationally for its athletics, Manning believes that the school has given him a great chance to succeed, as well as bring the very best out of their athletes.
“It’s a great thing.” Manning said. “The administration is very favorable. With student-athletes, obviously academics comes first. But they support the athletics as well. It’s a very welcoming environment. This is the most embracing administration I’ve been in for students being athletes.”
The Crusaders will open their season against Columbia Prep on March 14.
