KEWAUNEE, Wis. — The Kewaunee Storm baseball team made it to the WIAA state tournament for the first time in its history this week.
They started their time at state with an impressive semifinal win on Tuesday and will now play for a state title on Thursday.
What You Need To Know
The Kewaunee Storm’s year began with the unimaginable. One of their own, Owen Vaughn, took his own life. The team was devastated by the news but decided to dedicate this season to him
The team received custom cleats to honor Owen and bring awareness to mental health
The Storm made its first ever state title apperance with a 5-3 win over Fennimore in the semifinal game
They will play Kenosha St. Joseph in the state final on Thursday
Players on the team said they’re playing for something bigger than just themselves during this run.
The Kewaunee Storm’s year began with the unimaginable. One of their own, Owen Vaughn, took his own life. The team was devastated by the news and decided to dedicate this season to him.
Junior pitcher Brett Paulsen said their success means that much more now that they are playing for him.
“It’s obviously been heavy hearts in the dugout every time,” said Paulsen. “We believe that is he’s pushing us to make these games better and win these games and have the results that we want.”
(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)
The team received custom cleats from ‘23’scleats4kidz’ which honor Owen and bring awareness to mental health. Senior second basemen Toby Kunkel appreciated how Owen always lightened the mood and said those cleats being brought to every game is special.
“I think carrying the cleats with us has meant everything this season,” said Kunkel. “We got them in the beginning of the year and every time you walk into the dugout, every time you walk out, you see them. And I think, that’s just carrying Owen with us, carrying his legacy and that’s part of the reason we’re here today.”
(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)
Paulsen said seeing the community rally around the team with balloons, meals and messages means a lot to him and the squad. He said the team is as close as ever through this tragedy.
“We talk about it now and everyone’s a lot nicer and kinder and we understand that people are fighting battles you know nothing about,” said Paulsen. “So, just being understanding and kind and letting them, giving them everything that they need and being supportive.”
Dan Spranger has been the Storm head coach for nearly a decade. Spranger said making it to the state tournament has been a wonderful achievement, but they have learned some valuable lessons along the way.
(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)
“What happened with Owen, kind of remind us we have to talk to each other, we have to look after each other,” said Spranger. “It’s about what happens at home in the community when boyfriends and girlfriends and all these things, and to really kind of look after each other and notice red flags and don’t be afraid to talk to each other. And that’s a huge thing for us. Like when you talk about a team, like that’s a true team and we take care of each other on the field and off the field.”
No matter how the season ends, the Storm will always have Owen in their hearts, along with the cleats to remind them they are not alone.