This year was a bench mark season for the De Soto High School baseball team. The junior varsity team had a record of  14-2, and as of now, going into the State Tournament, the varsity team’s 17-4 record gives the team a league and regional champion title.

“Our success was due to pitching and defense. Everybody did their job, our starters gave us 4-5 innings and then our relief corps did a great job of bailing people out,” head coach Joel Thaemert said.

Because the team beat out Bonner Springs and Bishop Miege High School at regionals on May 20, they advance to play in the state tournament, the team will know who they play tonight.

As far as State goes, the team is optimistic.

“I hope we do well, I think everyone is prepared to play well and see what that brings us,” senior Dylan Holden said.

Looking past the State Tournament, Thaemert is prepared to do some serious work in the late offseason with trainer Matt Way. Way prepares workouts for the team in the months before the season.

“These workouts are important. The players that successfully completed our preseason workout aren’t the ones complaining about overuse injuries,” Way said.

With major preparation in the offseason and practices from 3-6 every day, the varsity team has set themselves up for success at the State Tournament in Salina on May 29-30.