Motivated Parkston Legion baseball 'having a blast' during hot start
· Yahoo Sports
Jun. 26—PARKSTON, S.D. — Setting goals and expectations for the American Legion baseball season this summer was more of an unspoken understanding than an outright discussion for the Parkston Post 194.
With a strong core of players returning for a program that has reached the Class B state championship game back-to-back seasons, only to come up just shy of the title, Post 194 is eager to make yet another run.
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The key to sustaining that level of success, at least in part, is an exceptionally bright outlook emanating from the Parkston dugout, according to coach Landon Sudbeck.
"We're having more fun this year than in any year since I've been coaching," Sudbeck said. "I don't know what it is exactly, but not even just on the field, but off the field, too, we're having fun. I'd give some credit to that; they're just having a blast."
At the center of Parkston's joyous, tight-knit squad is a collection of top players from the rising senior class. Together, they've manufactured success at practically every level of the baseball ladder since youth, and their familiarity and collective competitive drive help power Post 194.
"We're just all great friends, and obviously, you can see that on the field. We trust each other and just let the game ride," said rising senior Grady Bowar. "I think we're just a well-rounded team. We've got everything we need."
Though the Parkston High School team came up just shy of a state tournament berth in the spring season this season, that didn't result in any sort of slow start to the Legion slate. Post 194 won each of its first four contests and is out to an 11-4 start through action on June 25, owning wins over strong programs such as Scotland/Menno/Freeman/Canistota, Winner/Colome, Platte/Geddes, Dakota Valley and Class A Renner.
Of Parkston's four losses, one came to Palace City (Mitchell) Post 18, of Class A, and another came to out-of-state Seward, Nebraska.
Post 194 is also fresh off winning the Heritage Classic tournament in Milbank and has another chance to prove itself against top opposition in the region at The Rock Memorial tournament in Madison this weekend.
"It might not always be perfect, but we're scrappy and gritty," Sudbeck said. "They play hard, and there's really no quit in them. They all have the same mindset, and they know what it takes to win. No matter who shows up, we'll take whatever nine guys we have, and we'll go out there and find a way to stay in the game and give ourselves a good chance."
Of course, there's the motivation that comes with having two close calls in state championship settings, too. Post 194 isn't dwelling on the past outcomes; it's trying to channel the energy into clearing the final hurdle.
"It definitely gives you a little extra kick," Sudbeck said. "It stings, there's no doubt about it."
"It has put a lot of fuel to our fire to come and win a state championship," added rising senior Mason Jervik.
As the calendar turns toward July, players and coaches alike feel Parkston is equipped to make another push to the state tournament. To make it happen, it's about staying true to what has served them well in the past: An exceptional commitment to and belief in one another.
"We've played with this group of guys forever," Jervik said. "I think this team's capable of anything we put our minds to. If that's winning the state tournament, I think we could do it."