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2026 Iowa High School Team Preview: Waverly-Shell Rock

May 17, 2026
Tyler Cropley
State Director, Prep Baseball Iowa

The 2026 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement is building throughout Iowa. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Iowa.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Carroll or Cedar Rapids at the IHSAA 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A State Tournaments, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to shine a spotlight on all teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Iowa.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state.

Each week we will be releasing our Diamond Notes, covering all the bases across the state of Iowa.

Waverly-Shell Rock Go-Hawks

High School: Waverly-Shell Rock
Head Coach: Jared Pirkl
Class: Class 3A
2025 Record (Finish): 14-15 (Substate Semifinal)

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

+ Ross Armstrong

+ Jack Elsamiller

+ Layne Epley

+ Lucas Mulder - Iowa Lakes CC commit

+ Luke Roose

+ Ian Sedgwick

+ Gehrig Tibbits

+ Jack Wedemeier - NICC commit

+ Noah Beckett

+ Calvin Gunderson

+ Grady Harris

+ Carter Pirkl

+ Braden Seversen

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

+ Cash Ryan

+ Parker Holmgaard

ALUMNI IN COLLEGE

+ Ethan Chapin - Central College

+ Landon Destival - Central College

+ Ayden Hoffert - Iowa Central CC

+ Chance Key - Grand Canyon University

+ Grant Parker - Southeastern CC

+ Dylan Stockdale - Wartburg College

TEAM OUTLOOK

“We enter the 2026 baseball season with a mix of experienced upperclassman and emerging young players, creating a team built on strong leadership, work ethic, and accountability. With high expectations in the classroom and on the field, this group is focused on continuous improvement, competing against a great schedule, and positioning itself to be at it's best at the right time of the year, while representing Waverly-Shell Rock with pride.” – Jared Pirkl, head coach

Find more information on the 2026 Waverly-Shell Rock program below:

+ Follow them on X: @GoHawkBaseball
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Iowa 2026 HS Team Previews

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