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2026 High School Team Preview: Niles Vikings

NILES - With nearly the whole team back, Niles is looking to have a big year on the ball diamond in 2026.

“Everyone is returning with the exception of one pitcher, our DH, and one catcher,” noted fourth-year head coach Jim Brawley, whose teams have gone from 16 wins to 20 wins to 26 wins in his three years at the helm. “Our strengths are defense and depth, while our weakness is that we strike out too much.”

Two of the top 14 ranked seniors in Michigan are back to lead the way for the Vikings, which finished 26-7-1 a year ago, winning the Wolverine Conference as well as districts for the second straight season before falling to Three Rivers 2-1 in the regional semifinals. Brenden Olsen, the No. 11 2026 in Michigan, is back to play outfield with Jaxen Racht, the seventh-rated senior right-handed pitcher in the state, returning to anchor the pitching staff. Olsen is committed to Houston while Racht, the 14th-ranked 2026 in Michigan, is headed to Youngstown State.

Acie Kirtdoll is another senior recruit who is back, with the left-handed hitting infielder signed to play at Purdue Northwest in the fall.

Collin Gerdes and Brayden Wiemuth are two more in the senior class planning on playing at the next level, bringing more experience to Niles. Gerdes is a RHP/OF and Wiemuth a 1B/3B.

Additionally, senior Brady Fletcher is being counted on to throw a lot of innings for the Vikings in 2026.

“We try to make every individual player the best he can be,” Brawley said about the program, which was previously led by Mike Vota for 17 years, winning a regional title in 1999 in his first season in charge. “We want to see our kids have success at the next level. We try not to let anyone outwork us.”

A trio of players must be replaced after graduating, pitcher Josh McIntyre (Trine), DH/OF Braylon Schultz (Olivet), and catcher Dane Asmus, a three-year starter.

Junior Tanner Rachels will take over behind the plate with Julian Miller, a transfer from Penn, Ind., a newcomer being counted on in the outfield. 

“I really like the dedication and work ethic of this team,” Brawley explained. “They also have a lot of fun. They enjoy the grind.”

Winning a third straight league title will be a challenge in the eyes of Brawley.

“The Wolverine Conference offers great competition that gets us ready for postseason play,” Brawley pointed out. “We will face a lot of good pitching. We also have added some tough opponents to our schedule.”

The recipe for success is simple according to Brawley, who coached for four years at Buchanan before coming over to Niles, winning a state championship in 2022.

“Pitchers have to throw strikes and we have to put the ball in play,” Brawley concluded.

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