Spartans to take it one play at a time

Justin Matyas, Sparta High School’s new head baseball coach, has ample experience and knows what it takes to win at the varsity level.

He had successful stints as an assistant coach at Randolph, Mendham and Madison before coming to Sparta. He is a social studies/humanities teacher at Randolph High School.

Matyas takes over from veteran coach Sam Slobodzian, who won close to 400 games in his nearly three decades as head coach.

Sparta is scheduled to begin the regular season Monday, April 1 with a road game at Morristown.

“We expect and will require contributions from every member of the varsity roster to attain our goals,’’ Matyas said. “Sparta baseball has always been home to exceptional baseball players. Some returners that we expect significant contributions from are seniors right-handed pitcher John ‘JC’ Langeraap and outfielder Josh Brancy.’’

He also is hoping for contributions from players, such as juniors Braden Schappert (middle infielder/right-handed pitcher), Anthony Patrickio (outfielder/right-handed pitcher) and Colin Gallagher (catcher); sophomores Shane Hoover (middle infielder/right-handed pitcher), Chris Oommen (left-handed pitcher/first base) and Jacob Diaz (left-handed pitcher/first base); and freshmen Nick Franconere (third base/right-handed pitcher) and Branden Woletz (catcher).

“The off-season has been focused on ‘what does it mean to be a Spartan and what legacy will we leave behind?’ ’’ Matyas said. “A successful season will be competing day in and out one play at a time. If we do that, we will return success to Sparta baseball and achieve our ultimate goal of hanging banners at the end of the season.

“We hope that through our actions, we can make people recognize Sparta baseball as a contender and a true competitive threat for years to come.’’

Sparta posted a 12-12 record and advanced to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 1 Group 3 Sectional Tournament before losing by one run to Paramus in the first round in 2023.

The Spartans compete in the National Division of the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference along with West Morris, Morris Knolls, Morristown, Morris Hills and Mendham.

“Every year we view ourselves as a contender,’’ Matyas said. “We always want to take a step forward and hope to do so through a superior divisional record and a strong run in both the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex and state tournaments this season.

“This division is extremely competitive so every team is a target for us. We will take the season one game and one play at a time. We will not ride the emotional roller-coaster.’’