Wright State’s successful baseball season fuels excitement at youth summer camps

The crack of aluminum bats echoed through Nischwitz Stadium as dozens of young athletes participated in Wright State University’s annual baseball camp from July 7 to 10.

The excitement on the field matched the buzz surrounding Wright State’s baseball program after a standout 2025 season.

“It definitely seems like there are more kids at the camp since Wright State had such a good season,” said Ryan Bucholtz, a 2007 Wright State graduate who brought his 12-year-old son to the camp. “He wants to play for Wright State one day.”

Head Coach Alex Sogard said the Raiders’ win over Vanderbilt in the 2025 NCAA Regional Tournament generated increased attention for the program and its players.

“A lot of these kids watch the games on TV and now they get to see the players in person — it’s a special deal,” said Sogard.

That same energy carried over to other Wright State youth camps this summer. The Nike Soccer Camp at Alumni Field, held July 14–17, and the youth basketball camps at the Nutter Center, held June 16–20, also drew enthusiastic crowds.

Charlie Carpenter, a junior midfielder on the men’s soccer team, said most campers got to practice on Wright State’s new turf field for the first time.

“You play in grass and it’s bumpy, and then you come out here and it’s brand-new turf and a phenomenal facility,” said Carpenter.

Sogard said the youth camps are not only about developing fundamentals but also about creating a fun and memorable experience for campers and his student-athletes.