A milestone for the county
The St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans etched their names into Illinois high school baseball lore on Saturday night, routing Harvest-Westminster 15-1 in a five-inning Class 2A title game that ended early because of the 10-run rule.
The 15-1 triumph not only secured the program’s first state championship but also marked the first title for any baseball team in Champaign County, capping a 40-2 season that stands as the most dominant record in two decades.
The final innings
Coach Josh Haley praised the collective effort, noting that nearly every starter contributed to the offensive onslaught while senior pitcher Trevor Ames leaned on a steadfast defense.
Among the standouts were Logan Rosenthal, Will Haley, and Bryson Houchens, whose bats helped drive the early lead, while senior outfielder and pitcher Parker Fitch expressed surprise at the magnitude of the victory, calling it a historic moment for the community.
The win also closed a chapter for the nine seniors, including shortstop Kodey McKinney, who had balanced multiple sports throughout high school, and designated hitter Cam Schluter, who now enjoys bragging rights over his brother Aaron Schluter, a former teammate.
Finn Miller, the only underclassman in the lineup, contributed to the historic night, while senior pitcher Asher Pruemer and others rounded out a roster that blended experience with fresh energy.
The championship caps a narrative that began with near-misses in the 2016 and 2017 title games, turning longstanding disappointment into a celebration that resonates throughout St. Joe and the broader Champaign County baseball tradition.