On June 18, the Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts clinched their first WIAA Division 1 state baseball championship since 1953, defeating Madison Memorial 11‑5 at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The victory capped a 24‑7 season that saw the team rally from early setbacks to dominate the playoffs.
Starter Bennett Geitner opened the game on the mound, throwing four innings and surrendering four runs before giving way to a bullpen that steadied the lead. Offensively, the Ghosts leaned on a balanced attack that featured multiple hitters driving in runs, with key contributions from Blake Vandeloo, Bron Schaefer, Kaden Kress and Brayden Jenkins.
A comeback for the ages
Perhaps the most inspiring storyline involved Paxton Schuh, a senior who entered the championship game with a torn meniscus. Despite the injury, Schuh delivered a flawless final inning, striking out the last batter to seal the win. His 2.29 ERA before the injury and 7‑1 record highlighted a season of resilience.
Pitching remained the backbone of the run‑away victory. Carson Gates and Bron Schaefer each logged complete games earlier in the tournament, and their experience helped the staff navigate tight moments. The staff’s collective ERA hovered around 2.5 throughout the postseason, underscoring the team’s dominance on the mound.
The lineup’s depth shone through as Kress delivered three hits and three RBIs, while Jenkins added a timely double. The offense’s relentless pressure forced Madison Memorial into a series of unearned runs, turning a modest early lead into an 11‑5 advantage.
The championship parade will echo through Kaukauna for years to come, reminding young players that perseverance and teamwork can rewrite history. With the title secured, the Ghosts look ahead to next season, confident that their formula — strong pitching, clutch hitting, and unshakable unity — will keep them in contention.