Sussex Academy baseball continues to build a foundation

With a trio of seniors, a young core returning for their freshman year, and a few freshmen set to make their varsity debut, the Sussex Academy baseball team tapped into history to start 2025.

“The Florida trip that we just had definitely led the way; we got a lot done,” said senior Emerson Layton. “I think a lot of people have gotten a lot stronger and bigger … a lot more baseball talent, so I think that we can win some more games this year.”

The Seahawks ventured to the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla., to get their season underway. Battling it out with two Canadian teams, at the same place where the Brooklyn Dodgers once trained, players say they became much closer on the trip, setting the tone for the upcoming season.

“The record didn't indicate how good we played and how competitive we were versus older teams or slightly more talented teams,” said Seahawks coach Doug Nowell. “This year, expectations change in a sense where we got to go out and get those wins this year.”

As a growing program, a few young Seahawks gained valuable experience at the varsity level and will be counted on to improve upon their four-win 2024 season.

“Last year, most of our starters were all freshmen, eighth-graders and underclassmen,” Layton said. “Everyone has more experience, and I think we can grow from it, just keep moving forward.”

Layton is the starting shortstop for a ball club that will roll out junior southpaw Matthew Brittingham as their ace, with freshman Mason Glover throwing down signals as the backstop. The hot corner will be manned by freshman Ben Tollett, who will be firing fielded ground balls over to junior transfer Maddox Robert at first base. Victor “Goodie” Goodhue has nabbed second base.

“We got some new talent this year, but still, at the same time, it's gonna be a long, hard road,” Goodhue said. “I’m hopeful, but it's not a given, so we just gotta work really hard to see.”

Both corner outfield positions may feature a few guys, but the steady presence between them will be senior Whitman Stout.

“I'm looking forward to having a great season,” Stout said. “Try to get a trip to the playoffs – that'll be the dream right there – but just keep building off making a stepping stone for future players.”

“I've been here four years,” said senior Nate Silva. “I've seen every new player be able to develop.”

Sussex Academy opens its season at Conrad at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 25.