Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Ryan Manno
The Westhampton Hurricanes enter the 2026 season with a clear philosophical shift. According to head coach Asa Grunenwald, the Hurricanes are no longer framing success around a fixed endpoint such as wins. Instead, the program is focused on setting and maintaining a high standard of preparation that consistently places the team in a position to compete. That mindset defines everything about this year’s group, from leadership to roster construction, especially on the mound.
The end of last season prompted reflection within the Westhampton program. The Hurricanes’ focus coming out of the year was not on a lack of talent, but on mindset. This led to an offseason centered on resetting that mentality and building off the strengths already in place. Among those strengths is a pitching staff the Hurricanes believe can keep them competitive in every game this season.
That confidence comes despite the loss of a respected senior class.
Westhampton graduated a group of players who were fully committed and worked hard throughout their careers. The Hurricanes will feel the absence of Shane Jennerich’s bat and Brian Danowski’s innings on the mound.
This season, Westhampton expects to lean heavily on pitching and defense. The roster is filled with high quality arms and capable defenders who can handle the pressure of varsity baseball. A large senior class, many of whom have logged significant high school experience, will be relied upon to lead through adversity. Rather than leaning on one or two individuals, leadership will be spread throughout the roster.
The Aviators jump out to an early lead in the bottom of the first, with the first run scoring on this RBI single by Cooper Daniels (Westhampton 2026)
Aviators 3 – Empire 0
End firstTop Tier 3 – Empire 0
End first pic.twitter.com/MCbgCXUS5L— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 15, 2025
Offensively, the Hurricanes return a proven leader in All-League infielder Cooper Daniels. After hitting .348 with six stolen bases last season, Daniels will again be counted on to lead the offense and set the tone. Westhampton is also eager to see the impact of Thomas Machin and Reese Smith, both college commits who missed time due to injury last year. Their return provides a boost to a lineup that is counting on experience and depth rather than any single star. A group of seniors, including Pat Fay, Jude Allen, Nate Methven, and Andrew Stalters, stood out during winter workouts and are expected to contribute offensively this spring.
While the roster is senior-heavy, the Hurricanes are also closely watching their junior class. With so many experienced players returning, opportunities will still arise, and the coaching staff is interested to see which juniors step up when given the chance to claim meaningful roles.
#NEProcase Follow🆙
‘27 RHP/3B Liam McGinness (Westhampton Beach)
FB: max 91, avg 89.5 MPH
max 2205 | 14”IVB | 20.9”HM⚡️
SL: 75-76 MPH
max 2145 | -7”IVB | -7”HM🥏
CH: 81-82 MPH
max 1711 | 4”IVB | 19.7”HM↘️@TerpsBaseball commitQuality 3-pitch mix with above-average movement… pic.twitter.com/m184LicMDD
— Prep Baseball New York (@PrepBaseballNY) February 12, 2026
Pitching depth is the defining characteristic of this year’s team. The staff is led by Maryland-commit Liam McGinness, who has looked electric during the winter. His velocity has increased from last season, and his arm slot continues to generate consistent movement. Senior Pat Fay returns after throwing 22 innings with a 1.60 ERA, bringing steadiness on the mound. Jude Allen, a 6’4” senior who also plays volleyball, is working to regain the form he showed as a sophomore when he posted a 2.00 ERA over 17 innings. Injuries limited him early last year, but he has looked strong this winter.
Senior Lucas Gobler returns after serving as Westhampton’s primary reliever last season, thriving in tight situations and competing effectively in pressure situations. The Hurricanes are hopeful to add even more depth later in the season with the return of seniors Lucas Hefter and Jacob Permakoff from injury. Hefter did not pitch last year but threw 30 innings with a 2.50 ERA as a sophomore, while Permakoff brings dynamic stuff that could become a major factor once healthy. Junior Eric Olsson, who started two games last spring, adds another reliable option with his ability to throw strikes and use multiple moving pitches.
Beyond the starting rotation, Westhampton continues to evaluate additional arms. Seniors and juniors are competing for innings, and roles have not yet been defined. With a limited number of innings available and an abundance of capable pitchers, competition will be one of the key themes throughout the season. The Hurricanes believe they have the arms to compete. The challenge will be determining who claims which spots.
Leadership will be shared across a roster that could feature as many as 11 seniors. While Cooper Daniels has emerged as a leader by example, the Hurricanes are not dependent on a single voice. Experience and preparation are expected to guide the team through challenges.
Westhampton opens its season earlier than usual due to a scheduling conflict, with a March 24 road matchup against the Harborfields Tornadoes. After playing a tight series to open last season, the Hurricanes are excited about the matchup, but the emphasis remains on preparation rather than the result.
