NEWTON FALLS BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH CHAD RANKIN 3-12-25

By Ty Bartell

NEWTON FALLS OH- As the Newton Falls Tigers baseball team prepares for the upcoming season, head coach Chad Rankin sees both promise and challenges ahead. With a roster that features three seasoned seniors and an influx of young talent, Rankin expects a season of growth and competition.

Leading the Tigers are seniors Cam Huff, Ethan Powell, and Trevor Ruscoe, all four-year lettermen who have played a key role in the program’s development. They are joined by sophomore standout Leland Vargo, an all-league player last season, and first baseman Georgie Phillips. Beyond these returners, Rankin is relying on a freshman-heavy lineup, with multiple underclassmen expected to start.

The Tigers will once again compete in a tough league that includes Garfield, LaBrae, Crestview, and Champion, among others. Rankin believes the competitive balance of the conference keeps the team sharp and prepares them for postseason play. In addition to their league slate, Newton Falls will test itself in non-conference matchups, highlighted by a return trip to Nashville, Tennessee, where they will face strong competition from the region.

Pitching remains the identity of the Tigers, with Huff leading the rotation and Ruscoe returning from an ACL injury. Fundamental defense and situational hitting are also key focuses for Rankin, who emphasizes the importance of minimizing errors and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.Rankin, a Newton Falls alum, balances his duties as both head baseball coach and the school’s athletic director. Despite the demands of his multiple roles, he remains deeply committed to the community and the student-athletes he coaches.

The Tigers open their season on March 28 in Tennessee before returning home for their first game at Newton Falls City Park on April 1 against Liberty. With a mix of experienced leaders and promising newcomers, Rankin is optimistic about the team’s potential to compete for a league title and make a deep postseason run.

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