A Season of Growth
The Winfield‑Mt. Union/Columbus Junction baseball squad closed out the 2026 campaign with an 8‑16 overall record, a modest improvement that belies a deeper transformation within the program.
Competing in the SEISC‑North division, the team posted a 5‑7 conference slate, up from a 5‑15 showing the year before, signaling a steady climb in competitiveness.
Building Chemistry
Head coach Josh Dean made teamwork the centerpiece of his second season, emphasizing collaboration over individual statistics. His observations reflect a culture shift that players say is already paying dividends on the field.
Dean’s pride in the squad’s progress was evident during the final weeks, as the coaching staff watched the group gel around shared goals and a collective work ethic.
The roster will lose several standout seniors — Trevor Phillips, Kason Dopler and Tyson Kaalberg — who have been integral to the team’s recent successes. Their departures will leave sizable shoes to fill, but the program retains a core of returning starters, including Graham Haines, Parker Wilson and Tayson Samuels, who are expected to provide continuity and leadership.
Dean also notes that the coaching staff now oversees athletes from two schools, a logistical challenge that has required careful coordination but also broadened the team’s community reach.
Looking ahead, the team aims to translate its developmental gains into more wins, leveraging the experience of returning players and the cohesion cultivated over the past season.