DANVILLE, Ky. - If Centre College did not win a single baseball game this season, the 2026 senior class would still be the third winningest class in school history with 96 wins.

They won 28 games in 2023, 36 in 2024 and 32 in 2025 — the three highest single season win totals in school history. If they win 18 games this year, they will surpass the 113 games won by the 2025 señior class.  

The Colonels open the season Feb. 14-15 hosting Chicago for three games and then host Trine for three games Feb. 21-22.

Baylor Woodall is one of 15 seniors who have been part of Centre's resurgence under coach Drew Briese.

"We have had three really good seasons but there were some tough stretches with adversity that caused us to build a lot of trust in each other. That shows how accountable we are," said the Lexington Catholic graduate who started 42 games last season and hit .313, knocked in 31 runs and scored 30 runs.

"Coach Briese has been a great leader and kept us enjoying what we are doing. I think winning obviously factors into that as well. A winning culture changes a locker room. We enjoy each other but have had the right balance to stay invested for four years."

The senior class had helped rewrite records established during 125 years of Centre baseball and set these offensive single season records: Runs scored, 348 (2024); RBI, 313 (2024); hits, 507 (2024); doubles, 104 (2024); triples, 19 (2024); home runs, 41 (2025); and stolen bases, 100, 2024.

The pitching season records are just as impressive: Strikeouts, 407 (2024); saves, 9 (2023); and ERA, 4.25 (2024).

"We had a successful season last year and did not lose a single player from the starting lineup," Woodall said. "We know what we are capable of and know our senior class is a big reason the expectations are so high for this season. But you do not win due to preseason expectations. We win based on how we prepare and focus on being consistent.

"We are a team that can score 20 runs to win but you are not going to have an electric offense every game. Sometimes you have to get a gritty win with your pitching and defense. We can do both. Our freshmen class is strong and we are excited about some freshmen pitchers who can help us win some of those tough games."

Woodall was more of a defensive replacement his freshman year. He expected a bigger role as a sophomore but an injury kept him out all year. In 2025 he started every game but one.

"I am looking to build on last year and think we can do something special." he said. "Our class has always meshed so well together. Some played from the get-go, some had to wait longer. But if somebody got hurt, somebody was always ready to step in. Coach Briese keeps us locked in."

Woodall had four high school classmates come to Centre to play football. He came with them on a visit and liked what he saw.

"I had always heard what a great education you could get at Centre. Then I toured the (athletic) facilities and they are arguably the best Division III facilities in the country," the Centre senior, who has been accepted into law school at the University of Kentucky, said. "I thought if I was going to continue my baseball career, why not come where the academics were high but so were the athletics."

So what would a successful season be for him and his senior teammates?

"We have talked about that in a team meeting. The last two years we have fallen short in (NCAA) regional championship play. I think it would be disappointing in most of our  minds if we did not win region and host or play in a super regional.

"Really, though, our senior class is more worried about leaving the program in a better place than we found it. If future teams feel the bar has been raised higher for them because of our class, then we have done our job."