LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — After a disappointing end to last season, the Bath Wildcats are entering the 2025 football season with renewed determination and high expectations.

"We ended early last year, and none of us liked that," said senior Logan Markley.

"1999 was the last year Bath won a WBL title," added fellow senior Zach Welsch. "So that's going to be the goal this year."

With 15 seniors returning, team chemistry and experience are at an all-time high, and the Wildcats believe those factors could make the difference this fall.

"I feel like we're gonna be really good," Markley said. "We've been all together forever, so the chemistry is there already. I feel like it's gonna carry us well into the season."

Welsch echoed that confidence, crediting leadership and key players for setting the tone.

"We talk every day about controlling the controllables — just work hard and step up," Welsch said. "Mikey Hale is a great running back, and the offensive line played well last year. We're definitely going to keep that going."

Head coach Frank Russell, now entering his third season at the helm, says continuity within the program is paying off.

"This is my third year, and it's also these kids' third year in our system," Russell said. "We should have a good grasp now of what we're looking for as a coaching staff. Our kids should be further along than we were the previous two years."

Still, the Wildcats haven't forgotten how last season ended. After starting 5-1, Bath dropped four of its last five games, a harsh reminder of just how competitive the Western Buckeye League can be.

"The WBL is a tough league," Russell said. "We knew going in that our schedule was loaded — playing Celina, Wapak, St. Marys — we knew it was going to be a battle. I felt like our kids handled it pretty well, and we were lucky to be healthy going into the playoffs. The playoffs didn't end the way we wanted, but our kids gave it everything they had."

As expectations grow, so does the leadership within the team. Seniors are stepping into bigger roles both on and off the field.

"I want to be more of a vocal leader this year and keep everyone in positive spirits," Welsch said.

"Obviously more vocally, I want to be able to motivate more people than I did last year," Markley added.

Russell is focused on translating that leadership into action.

"Just today, we talked about goals for our football team," he said. "Our kids have some lofty goals, and the big thing I want them to understand is that you don't reach those goals by just talking about them in the locker room. You reach them by putting the work in on the field."

With 15 seniors, three years in the system and a tight-knit group, Bath believes it has the foundation to compete for a title. The Wildcats will kick off their season at home against Indian Lake.

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