A milestone season for the Crusaders
John Waddle, the longest‑tenured baseball coach in KMAland, capped his 43‑year career at Coon Rapids‑Bayard with a Coach of the Year award after his team posted a 28‑4 record and secured a spot in the state tournament.
The Crusaders entered the 1A State Tournament as the top seed, only to fall to Moravia in the finals. Their journey included a hard‑fought substate victory over Lenox that earned them the tournament berth.
Injuries to key pitchers such as Mason Culbertson and Cal Heydon tested the squad’s depth, but standouts like Ty Heydon, Cole Cretsinger, Max Shirbroun and Caden Oswald stepped up to keep the rotation competitive.
Waddle praised his players’ determination and highlighted the community’s unwavering support, noting that the program’s success reflects the talent that has grown from within.
The achievement places Waddle among the state’s all‑time winningest coaches, tying him for 11th in career victories and ranking third among active coaches, while marking the first time a Rolling Valley Conference coach has earned the KMAland honor.
With a legacy of 898 career wins, Waddle’s impact extends beyond the diamond, shaping players who have contributed significantly to the team’s pitching staff and overall performance.