Wayne Returns Experience

Program Outlook

Wayne enters the 2026 season in Class C coming off an 8–10 record a year ago. The Eagles navigated a schedule that included a mix of close contests and learning opportunities, finishing with seven games decided within five goals.

With only three seniors graduated and a large group of returning upperclassmen, Wayne brings back much of its core as it looks to build on last season's experience.

Coaching Continuity

John Hanss returns for his fourth season as head coach with a 26–21 record at Wayne. A former high school player at Irondequoit, Hanss has overseen steady roster development and guided the program through consecutive competitive seasons. With much of the lineup returning, continuity on the sideline pairs with familiarity on the field.

Roster Breakdown

Wayne graduated three seniors, including key contributors at attack and defense. In their place, the Eagles return 12 rising seniors, along with four juniors and four sophomores, giving the roster a strong veteran presence. That experience is expected to help balance a team that showed offensive capability last season while continuing to work through defensive challenges.

Returning Award Winners

A significant number of returning players earned postseason recognition in 2025. Shane Coleman returns after a standout year that included 36 goals and 17 assists, earning Section 5 Class C All-Tournament Team honors along with All-League First Team Midfield recognition. Tucker Eaton also returns after posting 22 goals and 13 assists and earning All-League Second Team Midfield honors. Wayne brings back multiple All-League defenders and midfielders, including Owen Raleigh, Cuyler Ruffell, and Ben Dodds. Gavin Hamel returns in goal after recording 180 saves last season. More depth comes along with players like Nick Caine, Ben Carbone, Cody Crandell, Ben Dodds, Brady Flynn, Owen Raleigh, Cuyler Ruffell, and Stone Sozio, all of whom earned All-League recognition at their respective positions.

Statistical Overview

In 2025, Wayne scored 186 goals while allowing 239, averaging 10.3 goals per game with 13.3 goals against. The Eagles return 79 goals, accounting for 42 percent of last season’s scoring, and 66 assists, representing 53 percent of their assist total. Wayne recorded four wins by five or more goals and played seven games decided within five goals, including two one-goal wins and two one-goal losses, reflecting a season often shaped by narrow margins.

Games This Year

Wayne’s 2026 schedule again features a blend of league and non-league matchups. League games, designated as FLE contests, include meetings with Pal-Mac, Livonia-Avon-Geneseo, Geneva, and Newark. Those games will serve as key benchmarks within league play. The remaining schedule consists of NL games against familiar opponents such as Churchville-Chili, HFL, Schroeder, Greece Storm, Midlakes, and Marcus Whitman, offering continued opportunities for evaluation and growth.

Looking Ahead

With a deep returning class and multiple All-League performers back in the lineup, Wayne enters the season focused on consistency and progression. The combination of experience, continuity, and offensive return gives the Eagles a clear foundation as they move into the 2026 campaign.

Preseason stories are based on information from SportsFive.NET databases and coaches.

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