By James Day
Regis High continued to blaze a trail of success in small-school baseball.
The Rams, who were involved in the playoffs for the 26th consecutive season, advanced to the Class 2A-1A semifinals before falling to eventual champion Knappa.
“This is something that is not taken for granted,” veteran Rams coach Don Heuberger told Our Town. “It is extremely difficult to get into the playoffs and even harder to win in the playoffs.”
This year’s Regis squad stormed through the tough Tri-River with an unblemished record 14-0 record and the Rams thumped Grant Union 16-3 and North Douglas 25-2 to advance to the semis.
The Rams’ squad featured eight seniors who helped the baseball program – and the overall athletic program – put on an impressive run of achievement.
“The 2015 group of senior baseball players have advanced to the OSAA semifinals in football, basketball, and baseball the last two years,” Heuberger said. “We also advanced to the semifinals in baseball in 2012 and several of the seniors were freshman but contributors to that team’s success.”
With success came post-season honors. Five Rams were selected to the all-state team, led by first-team infielder Tim Frith and first-team outfielder Blake Minten. Both players are seniors. Sophomore outfielder Javon Logan was a second-team pick and sophomore pitcher Bryce Piete and senior infielder Matt Wiltsey won third-team recognition.
Other seniors on the squad were Aaron Guzman, Casey Dailey, Caleb Frost, Wyatt Keudell and Paden Reynolds
And then there is the wily veteran in the wraparound shades in the third-base coaching box. Heuberger, who just completed his 37th year at Regis, is No. 2 all-time in baseball wins in state history and could hit 700 next season. His Rams won state titles in 2001 and 2003 and have finished second in 1985, 1991 and 2007.
Elk Hoop Shoot: Sharpshooting basketball standout Jacob Axmaker continues to shine at the national level. Jacob, an 11-year-old at Sublimity Elementary School, shot his way to the national Elks Hoop Shoot Championships at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.
Jacob, who was representing Silverton Elks Lodge, No. 2210, finished second in his age division at the national event, being bested only by Zocko Littleton Jr of Atlanta. Jacob moved up three spots in the national rankings this year after finishing fifth in last year’s national tournament, which is open to shooters aged 8 to 13. His journey had numorous stops including one to Keizer, that hosted the state championships. When Jacob won there he moved on to regional competition in Vancouver, Wash. And a victory there earned Jacob and his parents an all-expenses paid trip to Springfield for the national event. Jacob’s performance earned him a trophy, a plaque, a basketball and a T-shirt.
Stayton runs: It’s not too late to participate in the annual 4th of July runs. Day-of-the-race registration for the 3K run/walk, 5K trail run and the 10K run begins at 8 a.m. July 4 at the Stayton Community Center on West Burnett Street. Race fees are $15 per person. Races start at 9 a.m.
Follow me on Twitter.com @jameshday. News tip? Email jamesday590@gmail.com
