To say the Wells Warriors have been on a roll recently would be a huge understatement.

The Warriors have celebrated state championships in football and wrestling the past two years and the WHS boys basketball program made trips to the state final in that same span.

Wells is looking to add another piece of hardware to the trophy case as the Warriors’ baseball team is set to take on Brewer on Saturday morning in the Class B state championship game.

For the baseball program, this is their first appearance in the state final since 1980 — when the Warriors captured the Class C championship.

“It’s pretty wild. A lot of us don’t really know how long that is. It feels so good to bring it back to the town,” said senior catcher Mike Wrigley on the Warriors’ long-awaited return to the state final.

This appearance for the Warriors is well earned. They have improved on a lot since a season ago and have built a team that believes in what they are capable of. In the 2017 campaign, Wells dropped five games by just one run. In this run to the state final, they know not to ever let up.

“We have had heartbreak after heartbreak. We have finally put it together for this season and for my last year — it means a lot” said senior captain Liam Bell. “We put so much work in as a team and it is finally paying off,” continued Bell.

Heading into the championship game, head coach Todd Day is really impressed with how his team has put all their skills on display at the right time. They are putting together complete games. To advance to Saturday, they put away Greely with a six-run performance in the very first inning.

“We put ourselves in a great position. They need to focus on the task at hand. Just make the play in front of them,” explained Day. “Their confidence has grown as the season has gone on. They are realizing they can beat anyone.”

The confidence this team possesses directly correlates to the experience on the roster — which comes from previous appearances in big events and the outstanding senior leadership coming from captains Wriglely, Bell and Cam Cousins.

“Experience is really going to help. Everyone who has been in these situations knows we have to play loose and have fun” explained Cousins.

Wrigley, who won championships in wrestling and football, echoed Cousins’ comments.

“It is easy to get overwhelmed by big games. I can just say keep calm. It is the same as any other game,” agreed Wrigley. “I’ve been harping on playing intense without being tense. Be loose, but be competitive.”
Day really appreciates his senior captains, who have been two-year captains and four-year starters.

“They lead by doing. Liam brings energy on the field. Mike and Cam lead by example and kids really respect their leadership. They want to emulate success.” said Day. “Having those guys out there is very important to the success of this team.”

With all this excitment around these tournament runs, there has been great support from the community. Day and his players are extremely thankful for the support of the Wells fans as they look to take home a title.

“The support has been tremendous. This team plays with excellent sportsmanship and they are out to represent the community. When you combine that sportsmanship aspect with winning, that is what people are drawn to,” said Day about the support of the school.

Bell also spoke about the support from his classmates.

“It’s good to have a lot athletes in our grade. Everyone knows what it takes to win. Doesn’t matter what sport you play we all get together and support each other,” Bell said.

If all goes well on Saturday, another Wells team will hoist a trophy and they will have done it by working hard and believing in each other.

— Sports Writer Brandon Eckles can be reached at beckles@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.