After a 15–14 campaign and a third place finish in the ICAC, the Delavan Varsity Panthers open the 2026 baseball season with a dramatically new look. Head Coach Dillon Hodges, now in his seventh year at the helm, isn’t calling this spring a rebuild — but he’s not sugarcoating the challenge either.

“This is a reload year, rather than a rebuild year,” Hodges said. “We’re replacing six starters, but we’re excited about our returning upperclassmen and the young talent coming up.”

A Program in Transition

Delavan graduated a powerhouse senior class that produced four college athletes:

• Braden Arrenholz and Kelton Nafziger (Spoon River College)
• Wyatt Pierson and Bryson Horning (Olivet Nazarene University)

The Panthers also bid farewell to key contributors Kyi Westbrook, Colton Miller, and Maddox Dare, leaving significant production to replace. In total, Delavan returns just 353 of 907 at bats and 49.1 of 181.1 innings pitched from last season.

With only 12 players in the program — 1 senior, 2 juniors, 8 sophomores, and 1 freshman — the 2026 roster will be one of the youngest in recent memory.

Returning Core Will Set the Tone

Three returning starters will anchor the lineup and provide much needed leadership:

• Corbin Soldal (UTL/RHP, 2027), .293 AVG, .414 OBP, 24 H, 18 R, 10 RBI
• Corie Green (RHP/UTL, 2027), 2–4 record, 23.2 IP, 30 K
• Cameron McMullen (1B/3B, 2026), .277 AVG, 18 H, 3 triples, 12 RBI

Soldal’s on base consistency, Green’s experience on the mound and McMullen’s steady bat give Delavan a foundation to build around as the younger players settle in.

Sophomore Surge Poised to Define the Season

The Class of 2028 brings athleticism, versatility and upside — and they’ll be asked to contribute immediately.

• Trace Kight Garlisch, Lyndon Miller and Mason Ziegler are expected to take over the outfield.
• Grady Burrell and Drake Neuendorf will serve as flexible utility pieces.
• Hunter Lusher and Hudson Briggs could emerge as the next wave of Delavan pitching.

The Panthers have built a strong pitching tradition in recent years, producing All State arms Charlie Hodges (2019), Cole Noreuil (2024), and Braden Arrenholz (2025). Hodges believes Lusher and Briggs have the potential to continue that lineage.

A Shift in Identity

Gone are the days of relying on big bats and high octane strikeout pitching. With a smaller roster and a youthful lineup, Delavan expects to win differently this spring:

• Pitch to contact
• Play clean, disciplined defense
• Manufacture runs with small ball execution

Fundamentals and consistency will be the Panthers’ calling card.

A Tough Road in 1A

The Central Illinois 1A regional field is stacked with familiar powers, including Tremont, Dee-Mack and Athens. Navigating that postseason path will require rapid growth and resilience from Delavan’s young roster.

The Mission Remains the Same

Despite the turnover, Hodges’ expectations haven’t changed.

The Panthers will chase improvement, cohesion, and — as always — a late postseason run.