by Carrie Steinweg
LANSING, Ill. (October 30, 2019) – Memorial Junior High School’s baseball team, comprising 6th, 7th and 8th grade students, accomplished a first for the school this year. After an undefeated regular season, the team advanced to the regional championship for the first time in the school’s history. The Mustangs then defeated Flossmoor’s Parker School in the regional championship by a score of 8-2 to advance to the sectional championships, where their season finally came to a close after a loss to Homer Glen.
In the regular 10-game season, they played five different area teams twice, scoring double digits in all but one of their games. In their biggest win, they defeated Flossmoor Parker by a score of 23-4.
“The team scored over 150 runs while only allowing 34 runs to be scored against them,” said Jeremiah Faughn, Boys’ Baseball Coach. “Eight of these games were won by 10 runs or more.” The team is also coached by Nicholas Barclay.
“Our core group of 8th graders have been on the team since their 6th grade year. It has been great to see their skill and knowledge develop over this time period,” said Faughn. “This team came together and had each other’s backs. When one person made an error, someone else stepped up and made the next play. In both regional games, Memorial was down early, but did not let that get them down. They rallied together as a team and won both games.”
The baseball team was recognized at the October District 158 School Board Meeting for their efforts. This was the 9th season for the school’s baseball team, which was established in 2011.
“To say that the boys in the Memorial baseball team had success this season is an understatement,” said Shawn Walsh, Associate Principal. “Many people don’t know, but the baseball season starts long before the school year starts. The boys spent the last days of their free time this summer practicing in order to accomplish these achievements. In practice and gameplay, these boys exemplified what being a team means. When one player was having a rough game, another play stepped up and made the big plays.”
The Memorial Junior High baseball team roster includes:
- Christopher Gales
- Jack Starcevich
- Tyler Earmsmuth
- Jake Stachelski
- Moises Mata
- Rodrigo Arceo
- Hugo Rincon
- Ryan Marnell
- Javarie Williams
- Jayden Preston
- Logan Kapocius-Contreras
- Torrence Tate
- Anthony Gianoli
Memorial Junior High School is located at 2721 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois.
