Trailblazers Ready to Open Season Against Shawnee

GODFREY, Ill. — Lewis and Clark Community College baseball is set to open the 2026 season Wednesday, Feb. 11, hosting Shawnee Community College at 1 p.m. CST at Lloyd Hopkins Field.

After weeks of winter weather pushing preparation indoors, head coach Alex Ferguson says the Trailblazers are eager to finally take the field.

"The team is definitely ready to get the season going," Ferguson said. "With the snow and weather, we have been mostly indoors at the Sportsbarn in Wood River, and guys are ready to get outside on the field."

Lewis and Clark return a strong core of experienced position players, including Tristen Wargo, Harrison Rakers, Talan Benbrook, Grant Reinneck and Hayden Sherman, giving the lineup both familiarity and stability early in the season. On the mound, the Trailblazers bring back key arms in Marcus Payne, Keaton Favre — a Western Illinois signee — Brady Jackson, Hunter Winkles (Lincoln University) and Tyler Rosecrans.

The roster has also been bolstered by several newcomers expected to make an immediate impact. Position players Nicholas Franklin (Longwood University), Mason Bastien, Micah James, Sam Rauckman (St. Louis Community College) and Casey Fultz add depth, while incoming pitchers Austin Rathgeb (Southeastern Illinois College transfer), Sawyer Brunson and Owen Szpila strengthen the staff.

Preparation for the season began shortly after winter break, with players returning Jan. 12 to focus on building strength and rhythm.

"Guys have been working on getting arms and bodies in shape," Ferguson said. "Pitchers have been building up arm strength with long toss and bullpens, and on Fridays we scrimmage at the Sportsbarn. Position guys have been getting a lot of swings and working to get arms and legs in shape."

While indoor training has limited defensive work,  particularly for outfielders, Ferguson noted that once weather allows for outdoor practices, attention will quickly shift to defense.

Beyond physical preparation, team chemistry has been a positive throughout the fall and early winter.

"This group gets along well and chemistry has been strong," Ferguson said. "We'll look to build on that with our upcoming spring trips."

As Lewis and Clark prepares for its first matchup with Shawnee, the approach will be straightforward.

"The big focus for the first series is to play solid defense and throw strikes," Ferguson said.

First pitch Wednesday marks the beginning of what the Trailblazers hope will be a strong and disciplined start to the season.

Written by: Alexandra Dunn, Athletics Social Media Coordinator