Western High School Baseball and Softball Take Path Rarely Taken
June 20, 2009
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Winning State Championships is a very difficult journey. It takes more than great talent and great coaching. The trail is filled with many pitfalls to avoid like a great play, a bad bounce or even an officials call. That is what makes the journey so rewarding every step of the way.
In 2008, we saw All Saints do the unthinkable by having two teams, baseball and softball, travel down that path achieving state titles. A tremendous accomplishment when you realize the dust of a chalk line can spell the difference between victory and defeat. This spring, the Western High School boys baseball team and the girls softball team ventured down that path of greatness. When their journey ended, they knew the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat." Even more so, they knew what can be accomplished as a team and the drive that is necessary to take you there.
Coach Tim McDonald's boys began their journey with the confidence of a champion. Having won the Saginaw Valley Conference, they would be facing many of the teams from that conference. The biggest hurdle may have been overcoming the confidence of knowing that they have climbed that hill before. Coach McDonald had his team mentally ready as they marched through Districts taking the crown.
The softball team started with similar confidence of having beaten many of their opponents in conference play. Having fallen just short of a conference crown, they had the additional hunger of redemption helping fan the competitive flames.
The Lady Warriors earned their way into the title game by beating Midland Dow 3-0. They then captured their first District title since 2005 by downing the Midland Chemics 4-0.
In Regional play, the baseball team blanked Saginaw Arthur Hill 5-0. Alec Badour and Tyler Provaw combined for a one-hitter in the win.
Their scoreless streak continued in the finals as pitcher Skylar Skrzypczak scattered six hits over the seven innings. Western scored its only two runs in the first inning. Grand Blanc caught first base runner, Alex Kravar, leaning toward second. In the rundown, speedster Taylor Rosenbrock bolted for home beating the throw making it 1-0. Matt Gurnee followed by singling home Kravar, who had moved to second base on the previous play, making what turned out to be the final score, 2-0.
While the baseball team was taking care of business, the softball team was battling just as hard. First up was Swartz Creek. A pitchers' duel to the end, Western was able to score the games only run when a Swartz Creek error leaded the bases. Erin Moeggenberg then knocked in the lead run winning 1-0.
The Regional finals proved much more exciting for the girls. Down 1-0 to Brandon in the top of the seventh inning, Western ace, Maddison Sebald struck out the final batter for Brandon with the bases loaded keeping the Lady Warriors close. This momentum carried over into the bottom half of the inning. After Erin Moeggenberg singled and Erica Weiler was hit by a pitch, both runners scored when Kari Jaynes singled bringing in Moeggenberg. An errant throw home allowed Weiler to score giving both Warrior teams Regional crowns.
The Lady Warriors' magic ran out in the quarterfinals at CMU's Jonker Stadium. Facing the number one team in the state in Hudsonville, the Lady Warriors were tied after eleven innings, 2-2. But a single down the right field line ended the season for Western with a 3-2 loss to the eventual State Champs.
Ironically, the Western baseball team played Hudsonville in their quarterfinals. Unlike the girls contest, Western saw a five run lead disappear in the sixth inning seemingly swinging the momentum Hudsonville's way. But Western would have none of that. Feeding off a lead off double by Tyler Gurnee, the Warriors erupted for seven runs, all with two outs to take a commanding 15-8 win into the semifinals at Battle creek. With the win, the Warriors reached the State semifinals for only the second time in school history.
As it is said, all good things must come to an end. And so it was for the Western baseball team. Taking on Saline, last years State baseball runner-up, their bats were silenced as they lost 6-0.
For both teams, the sadness of being so close and not reaching the peak will soon fade. But the memories of the journey will last forever. They traveled together, reaching feats others can only dream of and along the way learned a little about themselves and a lot about each other. They stand proud, having captured both District and Regional titles and soon will be dreaming of venturing back on the path next year.
Congratulations Western boys and girls. You have done yourself, your school and your community proud.
(MyBayCity Photo File by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo File by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo File by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo File by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo File by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo File by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo File by John Keuvelaar)
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rongwizdala Says:
On June 25, 2009
at 07:49 AM
Nice article, thanks for covering the kids. The last photo you have is not Neal #8 but #18 Jon Gwizdala.
Thanks (EDITOR'S NOTE: The change has been made on the photo identification.) |
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John Keuvelaar |
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