Barneveld’s baseball team has entered the playoffs as the undefeated, top‑seeded squad in Division 5, a remarkable feat for a school of just a few dozen students.
Head coach Lance Schmitz says the team’s success was never expected after last year’s modest showing, but the players have turned that surprise into motivation.
Resilience in the Face of Injury
A string of injuries forced the team to reshuffle positions, yet the players have embraced the challenge with a resilience that defines their mindset.
Senior shortstop and right‑handed pitcher Hunter Larson describes the run as ‘surreal,’ noting that the camaraderie in the locker room feels more like a family than a roster.
Community support has been a constant backdrop, with local fans filling the stands and the town rallying behind the team, reinforcing the sense of unity that coaches say is the program’s backbone.
‘We’re not just playing for a win; we’re playing to leave a lasting legacy,’ Larson added, expressing confidence that the team’s best baseball is still ahead.
On Tuesday, Barneveld will host Williams Bay in the regional semifinal, a matchup that pits the small‑town heroes against another storied program.