The Kaukauna Ghosts captured their second state baseball championship on Saturday, defeating Madison Memorial 11‑5 and ending a 73‑year title drought that had hung over the program since 1953.
A Historic Drought Ends
Madison Memorial struck first, jumping to a 4‑1 lead in the top of the third inning when Ezra Liggon launched a triple that brought in two runs.
The Ghosts answered in the bottom of the third, with Tyler Urban delivering a clutch hit, followed by Bron Schaefer and Brayden Jenkins adding RBI singles that shifted momentum.
Turning Point in the Fifth
Kaukauna extended its lead in the fifth inning when Kaden Kress drove in a run with a sharp single, pushing the score to 6‑4.
The final out came when Paxton Schuh recorded a strikeout that sealed the victory, a moment he described as surreal as he thanked fans, friends, and teammates for their unwavering support.
Head coach Mike Jenkins, who has known many of the players since they were young, reflected on the team's journey, noting the happiness and camaraderie that had built over several seasons.