Rangers finish with 18-10 record

The Wallkill Valley Regional High School baseball team tallied an impressive overall record of 18-10 under the guidance of first-year coach Connor Kopnik during the past season.

It was the team’s first season in nearly 20 years with more than 15 victories.

The Rangers placed second with a mark of 8-2 in the always challenging Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Colonial Division.

“Looking back at the season, we had some strong wins, including Sparta (12-10, on April 20), Hanover Park (5-1, on May 17) and Montville (6-2, on May 20),’’ Kopnik said. “These are teams that have had success and are strong programs.’’

His initial season as head coach was made easier by the team’s leaders.

“Jack Veith had a monster season for us at the plate, while sophomore Ryan Miller emerged as a strong option on the mound,’’ Kopnik said.

Coaches saw players improve throughout the season.

“Honestly, the whole team improved every day,’’ Kopnik said. “The senior leadership we had this year truly set a tone.’’

The Rangers advanced to the semifinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 tournament, where they lost to top-seeded Pompton Lakes, 11-3. Pompton Lakes went on to win the Group 1 championship.

Wallkill Valley defeated Waldwick, 2-0, in the first round and Kinnelon, 1-0, in the quarterfinals.

The team’s future looks bright.

“Year one as head coach the main goal was to set a standard for the program,” Kopnik said. “I believe we had success with that, but now we need to continue to build.

“We have a solid core coming back in seniors Zack Clarken and CJ Collins and juniors Tyler Haberstroh and Ryan Miller.’’