The Cape baseball team is coming off the 2025 state championship where it lost eight players to graduation, but Vikings manager Ben Evick hopes his 2026 squad will be ready for the challenge when the 2026 postseason arrives. 

The Vikings will be led by seniors Emmett Wheatley, Max Selders and Robbie Payton. Veterans who had significant playing time in 2025 include Wheatley and Aaden Johnson. 

“We also have Dom Mangini, Nick Clampitt, Jack Simeone returning that saw time last year,” said Evick, who is in his 23rd year as the Cape coach. “We have a lot of new guys battling for playing time this year.”

Rookies on the team are juniors Ryan Coulbourne, Harper Kaser and Noah Miafodzyeu. Sophomores are Anthony Brittingham, Christian Cabello, Joseph Ruark, Trizton Willey and Jordan Williams. Trey Dickinson is the lone freshman on the squad. 

“We’re pleasantly surprised after having two scrimmages at how mature some of the young guys are at this point,” Evick said. “Having young guys step in ready to compete for positions always makes for a great atmosphere at practice. It’s really good competition that leads to working hard to earn and keep a spot in the lineup.

“Christian [Cabello] has shown to have real stuff on the mound and will play a huge role in our success this year. Trizton Willey has proven to be a smooth infielder that can also handle the bat. We had multiple guys get multiple hits in the two scrimmages. We’ve put up quite a few runs, which is a good sign as we anticipate a lot of tight games.”

Evick looks to the Northern Division teams as the Vikings’ toughest opponents. 

“The [Henlopen] North continues to be the toughest conference in the state for baseball,” he said. “And then the obvious upstate private schools are always tough.”

Evick will be assisted by Seth Brosius and Dave Gordon. 

The Vikings host Clearview Regional High School Friday, March 20, for their final preseason tuneup before opening the regular season at Caesar Rodney Thursday, March 26.