The Emerson Varsity Baseball team is rounding the bases towards a standout season. With only three games remaining and 20 wins within reach, the team is eyeing a playoff spot. This year’s squad boasts a dynamic roster of players from every grade level, including seniors Joey Waidande, Josh Cavas, Jose Salcedo, Ben Stec, Ty Riazi, Braden Thurman, and Luke Richard.

Richard, who is set to join Heston College in Kansas next fall, offers a firsthand perspective on what has driven the team’s success this season. They had overcome a number of challenges as a team to get to where they are.

“Our start to district wasn’t great to say the least. We started off 0 and 2, but we’ve clawed and fought our way back into the playoff hunt,” Richard says. 

Although the Emerson baseball team had a rocky start, they now have a record of 4 wins and 3 losses, looking to gain a playoff spot. 

“What’s gonna get us to the playoffs is us just playing as a team and not second guessing ourselves,” said Richard. “We just have to do what we know we can do and continue working as a team.”

A large part of their growth and success could also be attributed to their baseball coaches.

“They’ve inspired us to keep going and when times get tough not to give up and just persevere through everything,”  Richard said. “I feel like they do a good job of not only teaching us baseball but also important life lessons.”

Senior Joey Waidande, who’s heading to Oklahoma State University, agrees.

“Our coaches made our team feel like a family,” said Waidande. “I spend a lot of time with them and I’ll miss their continued support and encouragement.”

For both the coaches and seniors, it’ll definitely be a bittersweet ending regardless of how the season goes.

“Everything’s gonna play itself out, and don’t take the good moments for granted because sometimes you don’t get a lot of them,” said Richard. “So when they do happen, just enjoy that moment.”