LHS baseball team returns experience, set sights on postseason success

The Lennox High School baseball team enters the 2026 season with a veteran core, experienced pitching staff, and postseason goals firmly in place.

Head coach Drew Sweeter begins his ninth season leading the Orioles after guiding the team to an 11-8 record a year ago. Lennox’s 2025 campaign ended with a first-round postseason loss to West Central.

“We return a lot of varsity experience,” Sweeter said. “The majority of our lineup is back as well as our pitching. Our goal for the season is to make the playoffs, host regions, and qualify for the state tournament.”

The Orioles graduated six seniors from last year’s squad, including Jackson Anacker, Corban Hanneman, Cullen Wright, Dane Winterboer, Jack Aasheim, and Tyler Strasser, but much of the team’s foundation remains intact.

Returning key players include Cole Spieler, Griffin Boomgarden, Logan VanHaden, Gabe Veurink, Mason Reischl, Talen Eich, Jaxson Bittner, Sam Bambas, and Justin Butler.

Sweeter believes the team’s strengths begin with experience on the field.

“Our strengths should be our experience, pitching, and defense,” he said.

While the Orioles return a solid nucleus, Sweeter noted that finalizing defensive roles remains one of the team’s early priorities.

Lennox faces another demanding schedule this spring, competing in what Sweeter describes as one of the toughest regions in the state.

“Our schedule is tough, but we make it tough since our region is so loaded with good teams,” he said. “There could easily be four teams from our region that would have success at the state tournament.”

Sweeter expects rivals West Central and Sioux Falls Christian to be among the top district contenders, while Dell Rapids will again be a major factor in regional competition.

“Our goal for district play is to be a top team to host the regional games,” Sweeter said. “We have a great group of kids who are looking to be challenged in practice and in games.”

This season’s senior class includes Griffin Boomgarden, Logan VonHaden, Gabe Veurink, Talen Eich, Cole Spieler, Mason Reischl, Jaxson Bittner, and Preston Otte. Juniors are Madix Oltmanns, Andrew Stensaas, Cade Aashiem, and Sam Bambas. Sophomore team members include Isaac Vietor, Justin Butler, Grayden Veurink, Noah Hansen, Cole Dressen, and Karter Herren. Freshmen are Jaxson Johnson, Lance Aashiem, Bode Sweeter, Carson Eden, Syler Bittner, and Ashton Hermanson, while eighth graders Ace Rielly, Landon Kolthoff, and Grant Veurink also round out the roster.

The Orioles will open the season at home this Sunday, March 29, against Parker High School with first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m. Lennox will be home again Tuesday, March 31, to host Tri-Valley High School at 5:30 p.m. A complete season schedule can be found above.