The Coon Rapids Bayard baseball squad has surged to the top spot in Class 1A, a milestone that reflects both talent and tenacity.
A Season of Resilience
Head Coach John Waddle has repeatedly emphasized the team’s battle against early‑season injuries, noting that the roster is gradually regaining full strength.
At the heart of the surge are the Heydon brothers — senior Cal, junior Ty and freshman Blake — who have become synonymous with the Crusaders’ offensive and pitching dominance.
Ty Heydon, already a dual‑threat, boasts a 1.29 earned run average across six appearances while batting .614 with four home runs and 34 runs batted in, underscoring his impact on both sides of the ball.
Senior Max Shirbroun has posted a 1.56 ERA in four starts and seven total appearances, providing depth to a pitching staff that has been shuffled by injury setbacks.
Junior Caden Oswald contributes a 2.23 ERA in six outings, including three starts, while senior Mason Culbertson is re‑emerging offensively after a period of adjustment.
The Crusaders are set to travel to Boyer Valley before hosting Glidden Ralston, a pair of matchups that will test the team’s depth as they aim to maintain their No. 1 ranking.
Beyond the stats, the team’s chemistry and the community’s support have created an atmosphere where setbacks are met with collective resolve, a narrative that resonates throughout western Iowa.