Photo Curtesy of Paul Julian
As the month of May begins, the time left in Tiger baseball comes to an end. The Tigers, who were the four seed, competed at districts on Thursday, May 7, playing Elkhorn North, who were the number one seed, and ended the season losing 13-0.
“We prepared for districts just like we do every other game,” Senior Zane Thomsen said. “We got in two good practices earlier this week and are just looking to go in and give it our best effort.”
The Nebraska Class B State Baseball Championships, hosted in the Omaha Metro Area, will run from May 15 to May 22.
“Our main goal the whole season has been to make it to the state tournament,” Thomsen said. “We know it might not be easy, but we plan to leave everything on the field at districts.”
The Tigers end with a 9-16 record. They started their season with two losses but overcame obstacles early, winning their third game against York.
“We have had a lot of younger players that have had to step up,” Senior Caleb Consbruck said. “As they’ve stepped up, they have done amazing things for the team.”
Sophomore Clayten Arlt has stepped up as the leadoff hitter for the Tigers, scoring 17 total runs for the team as well as 19 total hits.
“[Clayten] does a great job at the plate, and has been a great player as a leadoff hitter,” Consbruck said.
Throughout the season, the Tigers have also worked on scoring early in the game to ensure success at the end of games.
“We’ve been challenged when it comes to scoring runs early in games,” Consbruck said. “This made it harder for us to win because we work harder at the end of the games to make up for the beginning.”
Seniors say the baseball team’s bond helps lead to positive mindsets on and off the field for the team.
“We have had a really strong team chemistry. We all get along and cheer each other on at practice and games,” Consbruck said. “Everyone having a good time and liking each other makes the team enjoyable to be on and makes us play better.”
As the seniors close their chapter on the baseball field, and also at HHS, they reflect on the season and will miss their teammates.
“Leaving this team is tough. I am both grateful and happy to be a part of this team, which is what makes it so hard to leave,” Thomsen said. “I have made so many lifelong friends throughout high school baseball and am grateful for every moment.
