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Sachem East Looking to Bounce Back in 2025

Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series 

by Vin Messana

It was a difficult season for Sachem East in 2024 as they missed the postseason for the first time since 2016. The team is revitalized and looking to bounce back, as Kevin Schnupp is returning for his 21st season as head coach.

“Last year was tough not having a home field,” said Schnupp. “For the preseason and the early part of the season we were going on the road, practicing and playing at Middle Country Park, Diamond in the Pines and Medford. It’s a huge benefit having access to an all-turf facility. We have two batting cages, dugouts, bullpens, everything.”

The Arrows compiled a record of 6-13 in the powerhouse League II conference – which featured Commack Sachem North, Connetquot and Ward Melville. They graduated 10 seniors, with Alex Apicella (RCSJ-Gloucester) and Austin Barrett (SUNY New Paltz) going on to continue their playing careers in college.

This year’s team has been focused – they have been working out as a team since November and now practicing twice per week outside and twice inside.

“We have a ton of senior leadership on this team. The commitment to making it back to the playoffs has been excellent,” said Schnupp.

They will be counting on Iona-commit Jake King to anchor the rotation. He pitched well as a sophomore last year, firing 36 innings and striking out 21 batters. Schnupp noted that they will be “hoping we play better defense for him this year.”

He spoke highly of King, saying that “he is developing as a team leader. He will be a horse this year.” He’s been throwing in the mid to upper 80s and should be one of the better pitchers in the league.

Senior Aron Brown will be behind the dish and also get time at third base. He batted .260 last season and they’ll be hoping he can duplicate or eclipse that for his senior season.

Ryan Margolis was called up as a freshman, he batted .415 over eight games. They will be “looking for him to hold down center field this year.”

Junior Chris Ragona is making the switch from CF to SS, and they’ll be counting on him to help solidify the infield defense.

They have three seniors that Schnupp mentioned will be key components to the team this year; LHP/OF Joe Rondinella, OF Ryan Medina and OF Matt Toia.

One x-factor is Ryan Lane, who is returning from injury and Schnupp called him a “big stick in the lineup.”

Last year’s team featured plenty of underclassmen being thrown into the fire. They will be hoping that the experience serves them well and they will be equipped to compete in a difficult league.

They will open up against their district rival Sachem North, who reached the Class AAA Suffolk County Finals last season.