KELLOGG — Entering his second season as head coach and 15th year coaching overall, Dave Carlile believes the Kellogg baseball program is positioned to take a meaningful step forward in 2026. 

The Kellogg Baseball Program is a co-op with nearby Wallace Jr./Sr. High, giving Carlile access to a few additional players that otherwise wouldn't have a team. 

Returning Core 

The Wildcats return a strong group of experienced players, led by senior shortstop and pitcher Preston Graaskamp, an All‑CIL awardee. Joining him are senior Maddux Allen, junior Henry Larson, senior Kaden Keller and sophomore Blake Rose. 

New Faces to Watch 

Carlile said the program’s future will be on display this season, with several new players expected to gain valuable experience. 

“I am extremely excited to see all the young first-year players in the program,” he said. “I am also excited to get some extra speed on the basepaths with Radley McDonald.” 

McDonald, who recently returned from a torn ACL, has limited experience on the diamond, but has reportedly shown promise as both a designated hitter and runner.  

Season Outlook 

After gaining experience last spring, Carlile expects the Wildcats to be more competitive across the board. 

“We expect to be much more competitive this season,” he said. “With our returning players, our baseball IQ as a whole will be in a much better place.” 

Expectations and Development 

The 2026 season will focus on maintaining momentum while preparing the next wave of Wildcats. 

“For the 2026 season, we are looking to continue the level of play we ended last season with while simultaneously growing our younger players for the future,” Carlile said. “Non-league playing time will be highly valuable for those players new to the program in order to get them ready for future varsity-level play.” 

With much of the lineup back, expectations are higher than they were a year ago. 

“We expect to see greater success for the 2026 season compared to 2025 due to the fact that we are returning seven players to our starting lineup,” he said. 

Coaching Staff 

Kellogg’s staff features both continuity and new additions for 2026. 

“Returning to the staff for 2026 is Coach Brandon Voorhees,” Carlile said. “New to the staff this year is Mike Markus. Mike has spent numerous years as a coach and player at multiple different levels of play.” 

Another addition to the staff is a familiar name to Wildcat baseball fans. 

“Also joining the staff for 2026 is Kellogg alumni Austin Clapper in his first season in a coaching role,” Carlile said. “As a player for the Wildcats, Austin was a key component to the program's first-ever district trophy (Intermountain League-2022) and first trip to the State Tournament.” 

League Outlook 

Carlile expects a competitive league race, led by several established programs. 

“Orofino, as usual, should be a strong opponent as it is returning a lot of players to their program,” he said. “This holds true with St. Maries and, to a lesser extent, Priest River.” 

One opponent remains a question mark. 

“Grangeville is unknown as they have graduated a large portion of their program for the second year in a row,” Carlile said.