First Posted: 3/27/2015
EXETER – Ron Musto has unfinished business in his return to coach Wyoming Area baseball.
And, Musto says he has just the team to get the job done.
Musto’s first stint as head coach of the Warriors, from 1992-2005, produced the only three Wyoming Valley Conference divisional titles in school history in 1998, 2002 and 2003. It, however, fell short of some goals.
“I’m coming back this time to win a conference championship, but more importantly, we want to get to a district final,” Musto said. “It’s hard to believe that the Wyoming Area baseball team has never, ever played for a district championship.
“I coached a lot of good teams and we went to the semifinals. Three of those years, we were one win away.”
The experienced squad that greeted Musto’s return gives him hope.
“The pursuit of the district final is still there,” he said. “That’s what we’re going for. We want the target on our backs.
“We think we can be pretty good. Our kids work too hard not to have good things happen.
“ … Nothing would fulfill me more than getting these kids to (PNC Field) in front of a couple of busloads of people from the Greater Pittston area having a good time.”
Leading those hopes is the return of three-year starters Joe Gavenonis and Zach Lopatka as a 1-2 pitching combo and a big part of the offense.
Musto said Gavenonis, who will be at first base, third base or designated hitter when he is not pitching, has “an outstanding baseball IQ.”
Lopatka, the team’s top defensive outfielder, will probably move from left field to center field when he is not pitching. The left-hander has excellent movement on his pitches.
“He’s the type of kid who can shut down any lineup,” Musto said.
The Warriors could be strong up the middle with Lopatka in the outfield, junior Cory Lescavage in the infield and senior Evan Musto behind the plate.
Lescavage is back at shortstop, but could also fill in on the mound as needed.
Musto is the catcher after playing the position for the Warriors much of last season.
Seniors Jeremy Zezza and Tyler Mitchell also return to the starting lineup.
Zezza is versatile. He adds depth to the pitching staff and can move around the infield, as needed, when others pitch.
Mitchell is back at first base where sophomore Josh Kopcza could also get some playing time.
Senior Marty Michaels got some playing time in the outfield last season.
Sophomore Steve Homza’s bat could help him find a spot in the lineup. Junior Tyler Dougherty appears ready to take over at second base.
Seniors Ryan Gorki, Dominick Forlenza and Ryan Kasalavage could also contribute.
“I believe this is a very talented baseball team,” Musto said.
Many of those players contributed to Wyoming Area coming within a game of the WVC Division 2 title last year. The Warriors were 7-7, just behind Dallas (8-6) in a five-team division where teams play each other twice but also play one game against each of the six Division 1 teams.
The season ended in the first round of the District 2 Class AAA tournament with a loss to rival Pittston Area.
Gary Lopatka returns as a varsity assistant, but the rest of the coaching staff is new. Michael Tierney handles the freshman team with assistance from Kerry Myers. Jim Manganiello coaches the seventh- and eighth-grade team and is assisted by Randy McDermott.
