By Kris Goracke

Reporter

In today’s world, a quick Google search on building a strong team or being an effective team member shows countless seminars, conferences, and speakers, all promising the secret to team success. However, for eight young men at Minnewaska High School, the journey of becoming a cohesive team started back in fourth grade with their shared love for baseball.  These senior baseball players include Alex Panitzke, Austin Ballhagen, Austin Weber, Dylan Alexander, Jack Majerus, Nathan Dell, Ryland Martin, and Thomas Poegel.

According to the BetterUp website, the key qualities that make a team thrive include communication, accountability, respect, clear goals, defined roles, and celebrating successes. Qualities such as these are not just buzzwords for the eight seniors on the Minnewaska Laker Varsity Baseball Team; they are the foundation of their daily interactions, both on and off the diamond.

These young men have developed a bond from their early days playing together that depicts these essential team qualities. Their story shows that while expert advice can be helpful, the how-to of being a team often begins with shared experiences and mutual passions.

Reflecting on their early years with the traveling baseball team, the young men fondly remembered the camaraderie of hotel stays and the thrill of playing baseball together. However, the highlight of their travels was clinching the Junior Legion Baseball Championship in 2021. Despite being seen as underdogs, their victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. “Being the underdog and winning made the championship even sweeter,” recalled Alexander. “That win taught us to always give it our all and to play confidently,” added Panitzke.

The young men have learned a lot about baseball and each other over the years. All agree that playing together for so long has taught them many lessons, including the importance of communication and respect as team members. “I think we are all close with each other; we know each other’s strengths,” said Alexander. “Playing together for all these years has created trust among us,” added Martin. This bond and mutual respect have become the foundation of their success on and off the field.

Rituals and superstitions are common for athletes. In fact, studies show they are helpful for athletes facing unpredictability in their sport, and these rituals and superstitions can help them feel more in control. When asked about any rituals or superstitions, Dell mentioned that the players will wear the same jersey while the winning streak is on. Another team ritual is starting the warm-ups each game day with yoga stretches. For others, the superstition runs a little deeper. For example, Alexander has had the same batting glove for three years. His teammates can attest that the glove looks and smells three years old.

When team members understand their roles, they can work together more effectively towards a common goal.  This quality applies to the seniors.  Each plays a vital role on their team; it can be a hitter, a player who steals bases, or even the one who keeps the team motivated. When asked who the rally guy was, all fingers pointed to Austin Weber. “He is our chirper,” said Ballhagen. “Weber is the guy that we can hear to motivate us.”

Accountability is crucial for an effective team. During each practice, the team focuses on strengthening any areas that need attention. “Through our practices, we have learned to be committed to our improvement,” said Majerus. The seniors greatly appreciate their coach and the entire coaching staff. The players noted that the coaches don’t just focus on improving skills but also on building a strong team spirit. “The coaches always believe in us and push us to be our best on and off the field. Their dedication and support make a huge difference in our performance and confidence,” Majerus added.

Looking back over the years, Majerus said his favorite part has been playing as a team, enjoying the camaraderie and teamwork. Poegel shared that playing baseball has been a big part of his school history, creating many great memories and friendships. Weber added, “Playing baseball and having fun has been the best.” Their reflections highlight the strong bond and lasting impact of playing baseball together.

Shifting focus to the leadership behind the team, Joe Alexander, the head varsity coach, has been a guiding force. Coach Alexander has been part of the coaching team for these seniors and many underclassmen for as long as the players have played baseball.

Although this spring marks the final season for these eight young men, it has been filled with celebrations.  “This is a special team, in the sense that standout performances seem to happen game in and game out and, in most cases, come from someone new all of the time, stated Coach Alexander.   “The two moments that stand out come from senior Jack Majerus setting the all-time steals record and senior Dylan Alexander setting the all-time triples record.  Any time you break a record in a program like Minnewaska, it is special, and you are a special player!”

This season has been full of highlights for the team, including sweeping a doubleheader against the formidable Montevideo team and, most recently, a big win against Paynesville. In addition to these two games, Coach Alexander says the big walk-off win versus Melrose is also in the top three highlights of the regular season.

Coach Alexander attributes defense and team speed as the team’s biggest strengths, and as a result, have won the team several games.  “We utilize both defense and speed game in and game out.  Our ability to steal bases keeps the pressure on the other team constantly,” he said.

With eight seniors graduating, Coach Alexander states he will miss EVERYTHING. “I have coached this group since they were five, and having a son on the team has been exceptional.   We have traveled hundreds of miles, played hundreds of games, and did a lot of winning.  I will miss each of the players and their awesome families, and I will forever cherish the memories we have made.  It is a special group on and off the field,” he stated.

The Minnewaska Lakers have an impressive record of 15-2 overall and are undefeated in the West Central Conference with a 12-0 streak. As they gear up for the playoffs starting on Tuesday, May 28, the team’s roster includes Alex Panitzke, Austin Ballhagen, Austin Weber, Caden Larson, Conner Erickson, Connor Frey, Dylan Alexander, Ethan Jacobs, Jack Majerus, Levi Johnson, Marc Gruber, Nathan Dell, Noah Jensen, Oliver Rieland, Riley Dell, Ryland Martin, and Thomas Poegel. Under the guidance of coaches Joe Alexander, Chris Lence, Andrew Goracke, and Drew Olsonawski, the Lakers are ready to showcase their skills and determination on the field.

The Minnewaska Lakers have secured the top seed in the Section 3AA North. Following them are Paynesville in second place, with Montevideo, Morris, New London-Spicer, and KMS rounding out the rankings. The Lakers are set to play against the winner of the New London-Spicer vs. Morris matchup on Thursday, May 30, at Marthaler’s Field. The game will begin with the first pitch at 5 p.m.