DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) – The Wallace baseball team is back on the field this week with a target firmly on its back.
Fresh off an ACCC championship season, the Govs open the 2026 campaign on the road at the PCB College Baseball Classic in Panama City Beach, looking to build on last year’s success and set the tone early. Wallace finished the 2025 season 30–25 overall, overcoming a slow start to capture the ACCC title — a run that now fuels expectations heading into the new year.
Head coach Ryan Ihle welcomes back a veteran core. While experience anchors the roster, Ihle says the mix of younger players stepping into larger roles has been just as important.
“We’re returning about six of the nine in our lineup, as well as adding some really talented freshmen and a couple transfer pieces,” Ihle said. “Offensively, I think we’re going to be able to handle the bat and score some runs.”
One of the biggest drivers of that balance has been the team’s leadership council, which Ihle says has helped establish accountability and standards within the program.
“That leadership piece was definitely evident this fall and into the spring,” Ihle said. “These guys know the expectations. They’re held to a standard by those sophomore groups, and that’s always important to have with a successful team.”
While the Govs have proven they can generate offense, defense remains the foundation of the team. Ihle believes that consistency in the field will be key as Wallace works to settle in on the mound.
“We’re going to be able to play defense for the most part,” Ihle said. “Defensively is where our strong point is. On the mound, we’ve got some guys that are going to prove themselves this season, especially being young arms.”
Wallace will rely heavily on Grant Hodges, Kason Gleaton, Jackson Cliatt and others. Hodges posted a double-digit win season last year.
“Our leader of our staff, Grant Hodges, returning off a 10-plus win season, really solidifies the rotation,” Ihle said. “That’s something that keeps us excited about this group.”
Several local players are also featured on this year’s roster, including Evan Taylor (Headland), Lawson Leger (Ozark), Cam Dyer (Dothan), and Jake Franklin (Dothan).
Despite returning as conference champions, Ihle emphasized that the approach hasn’t changed — even with another trophy now sitting in the program’s cabinet.
“This is a program that’s always had a target on their back,” Ihle said. “We just have to play our game. We can’t worry about anybody else. It’s about doing what we do best and letting the results speak for themselves.”
That mindset is especially important after Wallace began last season 1–13 before rallying to win the ACCC title. Ihle says that experience has stuck with his players.
“They don’t want to do it again,” he said. “Especially going down to this Panama City Beach tournament, they want to provide a good showing because there’s a lot of eyes on you down there, a lot of scouts.”
After some rescheduling due to weather, Wallace will open the season tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. against Pearl River State College — the No. 2 team in the country. The matchup will be televised nationally by Perfect Game, with fans able to watch live at perfectgame.org.
With championship expectations, national exposure, and a tough opening opponent, the Govs won’t ease into the season — but that’s exactly how they want it.
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