River Dragons to Play Final Game This Weekend; Coaches Plan for 2027 Season

Our Daily Show Interview! Alton River Dragons Spotlight: Field Manager Andrew Olney

ALTON - The Alton River Dragons will end their season this weekend, and Field Manager Andrew Olney is already looking ahead to next year.

Olney took over as field manager halfway through the summer season. He recognizes that it’s been a tough season for the River Dragons, but he is proud of the work they’ve put in on and off the field. With their final game slated for Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, Olney hopes it will be a successful week.

“It is going to be good to get to Aug. 2 and kind of mentally reset. But we haven’t given up at all,” he said. “In certain times in the coach’s office, we’ve been frustrated and things like that, obviously. But we’re sitting there trying to figure out solutions and trying to figure things out every game. It’s been better than what it was, and we’re just going to keep building on that for the rest of this week.”

Olney expressed his appreciation for Hitting Coach Blake Vandiver and Assistant Coach Mateo Okimoto. He noted that the team’s offense is “doing a lot better” under their guidance. He believes the offense has “kind of come alive in the last two or three weeks,” and now he hopes the pitching side of the team is equally inspired.

Olney also complimented his players. He has prioritized building relationships with the team, and he is proud to hear that many of the players recognize and appreciate that effort.

He also pointed out that most of his players are from impressive college programs that don’t face many losses, so it’s been difficult for them to experience “this much adversity.” Olney has made it his job to keep up morale.

“It’s trying to interact with them and keep the morale high, but it’s been a tough season to be able to deal with adversity and things like that. But trying to keep the morale high and keep their attitude focused,” he said. “Them still fighting and us getting a win last Sunday is something.”

This is Olney’s first season with the Prospect League, and he believes the league has a considerable level of competition. Olney grew up playing baseball in St. Charles, then moved to California. He recently returned to the area and began coaching for the River Dragons. He has enjoyed getting to know Alton.

“It’s a great community,” he said. “I do want to kind of create a better product for them next year and give them some more wins than the five wins we currently have. They do deserve more wins than that.”

But Olney has been impressed by the community’s interest in the team. He enjoys the “more intimate” setting at Lloyd Hopkins Field, which allows the River Dragons to interact with fans and kids. He wants to welcome more local players to the team next year.

When he thinks about next season, Olney is excited for the chance to lead the team once again. He explained that the River Dragons administration told him he would have free rein to build up the team and recruit players. He can’t wait to create a strong roster and bring more victories to the River Dragons organization in 2027.

“It’s going to be something that’s exciting to kind of build the coaching staff and be able to recruit and kind of build the team and have a little bit more success than we did this year,” he added.

The River Dragons will play four more home games this season, including their final game on Aug. 1. You can buy tickets online.

For more information about the Alton River Dragons, visit their official website or their official Facebook page.

This featured article is sponsored by the Alton River Dragons. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.

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