The Kaukauna Ghosts clinched a spot in the Division 1 state baseball championship with a 7‑1 victory over Nicolet on Tuesday morning at Appleton North, a game moved up to avoid wet weather forecasted later in the week.
A Historic Milestone
It is the Ghosts' first appearance in the state tournament in 72 years and they are now chasing their first championship since 1953. Head coach Mike Jenkins said the team set that goal at the start of the season and has worked relentlessly to achieve it.
Key performances defined the game. Bron Schaefer closed out the third inning with a strikeout, allowing only two hits while recording eight strikeouts. In the fourth inning, Kaden Kress delivered a sacrifice fly that scored Taron Seghers, and later added an RBI single to left field, extending the lead.
Division 2 Semifinal Action
In the Division 2 semifinals, Kenosha St. Joseph edged out Waupun 5‑3. St. Joseph took a one‑run lead in the bottom of the third when Dominic Santarelli launched a two‑run home run to center field. Waupun answered in the fourth with Brennen Redeker’s sacrifice fly that scored Trey Schmidt, tying the game before St. Joseph pulled ahead with runs in each of the next three innings.
The upcoming championship will pit Kaukauna against a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent, but the Ghosts enter the final with momentum and a narrative steeped in decades‑long anticipation. Fans and alumni alike are watching closely as the team looks to translate its historic semifinal performance into a title.