By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

One of the goals the Medway High baseball team is striving to achieve this season is a return to the Division 3 state tournament.

Last year, after five straight trips to the playoffs, the Mustangs failed to qualify after finishing with a 4-14 record. Coach Mike Coppinger has guided his squad into post-season play seven times in nine years, and his 2019 contingent advanced to the state final where it lost to Taconic Regional.

“Our goals this season are to be competitive in all games, to go .500 or better and to return to the tourney,’’ said Coppinger. “Ten of our 15 returnees are seniors, and we’ll go as far as they take us. Our senior group has experience, and all of our returnees are hard-working.’’

So far, Medway is off to a good start, going 4-2 and 4-0 in the Tri-Valley League at Local Town Pages deadline. Those numbers make Coppinger smile. “We’ve been competitive in every game and we’ve already tied our win total of last year,’’ he said.

The Mustangs have a variety of strengths that should lead to a playoff berth. “Besides experience, we’ve got depth and players who are coachable and have high baseball IQs,’’ Coppinger emphasized. “Our technical skills still need improving but our pitching is deep. Our hitting and defense, however, have to improve.’’

Personifying many of the team’s strengths are Medway’s captains — seniors Garrett O’Mara (pitcher/outfielder), Jason Bedard (catcher), John Farrell (pitcher/infielder), Matt Olynciw (catcher/pitcher/infielder), and junior Aidan Tkowski (pitcher/infielder).

“Garrett is one of our best hitters,’’ Coppinger said. “Last year he hit .327, hit three triples and had two home runs. He also led the team in RBIs and tied for the lead in runs and hits. A Tri-Valley League all-star, He throws in the mid-80s and relies on a fastball, curve and change-up. He also has speed.’’

Bedard is a catcher who is versatile enough to play other infield positions. “Jason was an honorable-mention all-star last year,’’ Coppinger said. “A vocal leader, he’s a calming influence when dealing with pitchers and he’s mentally and physically tough.’’

Farrell was the Mustangs’ top hurler last year, compiling a 3-4 record with an earned-run average of 2.21. He’s begun this season by hurling two complete games, is 2-0 and his E.R.A. is 1.75. “Able to throw in the mid-80s, John relies on a fastball, curve and change-up and has good command of his pitches,’’ Coppinger said. “He also was a TVL honorable-mention choice.’’

Tkowski had a 1-0 record last year and an E.R.A. of 4.37. He hit .320 and tied for the team lead in hits and runs. During the first week of this season, he was 9-for-13 at the plate, had a .692 batting average, scored 3 runs, knocked in 2 and stole 2 bases. He also had a save. 

“Aidan had a phenomenal first week and he’s one of our best hitters,’’ Coppinger noted. “He relies on a curve, fastball and change-up. A strong defensive infielder, he’s now in his third varsity season.’’

Olynciw plays baseball year-round and will be competing in college next year at the University of Maine-Farmington. “Matt works hard and is very coachable,’’ Coppinger said. “Relying on a fastball, curve and change-up, he was second on the team in innings pitched (18).’’ 

Senior Matt Parlon, who also was a TVL honorable-mention choice, is an all-around talent. “Matt hit .270 last year and had one home run,’’ Coppinger said. “A good athlete, he’s a left-handed pitcher who’s a strong competitor. He also plays solid defense. Last year, he suffered a fractured finger and missed eight games.’’

Senior Matt Wilde plays third base and hit .267 last year. “Matt is a spray hitter who’s tough, works hard, and grinds out at-bats,’’ Coppinger offered. “He was an all-star linebacker in football.’’

Senior centerfielder Kevin McMahon is labeled “a defensive specialist’’ by Coppinger. “Kevin works hard, is coachable, has speed and very good range,’’ he said. “He was the goalie for the soccer team.’’

Outfielder Brendan Mey, pitcher/infielder Zach Nielsen, and infielder Anthony Noe round out the list of seniors. “Brendan has decent speed and plays solid defense,’’ Coppinger said. “He was a steady reserve in the outfield and did a good job when Parlon got hurt. Zach didn’t play a lot last year but likely will see action this year as a relief pitcher. Anthony has worked hard and will be called on when needed.’’

Junior Jackson DuGuay will pitch and also play first base. “Jackson is a big strong kid who has the potential to be a power hitter,’’ Coppinger noted. “We’re hoping he improves.’’

Medway’s trio of sophomores includes Trevor Smith (pitcher/outfielder/second base), Jack Heavner (third base) and Charlie Hosmer (utility player).

“Trevor relies on a curve and change-up and throws in the low 80-mph range,’’ Coppinger said. “He played in all 18 games as a freshman last year. A year-round player, he’s got power, throws effectively and is versatile on defense. Jack is one of the toughest players we have. A good fielder, he’s a right-hander who can also pitch.  Charlie can pitch, play the outfield or second base. He’s a very versatile athlete.’’

Coppinger has two assistants — varsity aide Jim Patelis and jayvee coach Kevin Treggeri. “Jim played at Framingham High and at Eastern Connecticut State,’’ Coppinger noted. “Kevin has been with us for four years and does a great job.’’

Four non-league games that could help Medway in the power rankings include Canton, Dartmouth, Nipmuc and Millbury.

Coppinger relies on a coaching philosophy that focuses on his players reaching their potential and having fun. “If those things occur, then winning follows,’’ he said. “ 

A native of Medway, the 39-year-old Coppinger, who’s in his 11th year at Medway,  hopes his players learn valuable life lessons from baseball. “Overcoming adversity and developing resilience are two important lessons,’’ he emphasized. “Sports also help kids to set goals, be strong leaders and good teammates. Accountability is another life lesson that can be learned.’’

Mike Coppinger no doubt wants his players to be accountable. He also wants them to strive to reach the goals he’s set and return to the state tourney.