A Season of Challenges
The Tri‑Center baseball team sits at 9‑8 overall and 6‑7 in the Western Iowa Conference, a record that reflects both promise and the hurdles it has faced this spring.
Recent action saw the team sweep Missouri Valley before splitting a triangular with Bedford and Interstate 35, highlighting moments of offensive firepower.
Head coach Max Kozeal has repeatedly emphasized that the club is navigating adversity, especially at catcher where injuries have reshaped the pitching rotation.
Injuries have forced senior Tristin Gunderson to miss time, prompting junior Tyler Weidner and others to step up, while Cameron Cook’s broken hand has sidelined him from the lineup.
Despite the setbacks, senior Cael Witt stands out, batting .488/.604/.805 with five doubles, two homers, a triple and 14 RBI, while also posting a 2.86 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 29 ⅓ innings.
Senior Leadership and Performance
The senior core includes Trenton Huebner, Braden Meyer and Brody Weidner, while juniors Adan Goldapp, AJ Harder and Kai Sonderland and sophomore Joey Splichal round out the regular starters.
Other contributors such as Cameron Cook, Baker McCarty, Keegan Cook, Rylen Peters, Kiptyn Wagner and freshman Carsen Rice have added depth, even as some, like Cook, now battle a broken hand.
Looking Forward
Kozeal notes that seven players from last year’s substate‑qualifying squad remain on the roster, providing continuity as the team prepares for upcoming games against IKM‑Manning, Treynor, AHSTW and Westwood.
The schedule this week includes matchups that could further test the team’s resilience, but the senior‑laden lineup remains confident in its ability to compete.