Stein calls seven Cyclone seniors phenomenal group
GILBERT (July 19) -- The Harlan Community baseball program said goodbye to seven seniors following Monday’s 7-1 substate semifinal loss at third-ranked Gilbert.
The large senior group includes three full-time starters in outfielders Isaiah Ahrenholtz and Ben Muenchrath and first baseman Kelby Lasher; a first-year starting pitcher in Thomas Ernst; and reserves Chase Wilwerding and Tyler Mumm. Brenden Bartley, who batted .379 with a team-high 23 RBI last year as the starting catcher and a part-time pitcher, was unable to play this year due to injury but was in the dugout supporting his teammates.
“I got a little choked up (talking about them),” said HCHS head coach Heath Stein following Monday’s postgame meeting. “Just a phenomenal group of guys.”
“Isaiah started slow this year, but the second half of the season he turned himself into one of the best hitters in the conference, finishing around .370. Benny really put together a nice season as well. He can really go get it in the outfield and used his speed as an offensive weapon as well. For him to hit over .300 really shows how much he improved from last year and throughout the season. Kelby had unfortunate injuries the last two seasons and for him to stick with this extremely difficult sport and do a lot of good things for us is very impressive. He’s got a great attitude and work ethic and was a pleasure to coach.”
Stein added, “Thomas Ernst got us three wins this year and ate up close to 30 innings; he was a JV player last year... Chase Wilwerding - talk about maybe the best team guy that we have. He didn’t play much, but his attitude and effort at practice every day was outstanding. Tyler Mumm - what a great guy to be around. Bartley’s leadership is definitely something that we missed, along with him being the three-hole hitter and starting behind the dish and getting mound time and all that stuff. He’s an outstanding kid.”