Wagner’s 12u boys baseball team traveled to Groton, July 11-13 for the 12u Bravo Division of the VFW State Baseball Tournament. The boys went 2-2 in Pool Play, beating Hamlin/Lake Norden (9-2), and Salem (32-0). The boys lost two tight games versus Groton (4-6) and Parkston 2 (8-10). Wagner was the highest 2-2 team coming out of pool play, allowing the least runs over four games, and earned the 7th seed in the 8-team bracket, out of 15 teams competing.

Wagner’s first bracket game was a rematch against the 2nd seeded Groton team they previously lost to on Friday. In Sunday’s rematch, Wagner gained the upper hand in the bracket game, winning the game 6-0. Wagner moved on to the semi-final game where they faced a tough Emery team, and lost 11-1. Wagner then moved on to the 3rd-4th place game where they faced a tough Clark Area team who was already 5-1 in the tournament. The Wagner 12u boys showed their resiliency and came back strong after their loss, and won their final game of the tournament vs Clark (9-6), finishing 3rd Place in the state tournament out of the 15 teams competing.

Wagner 12u Boys also won the Team Sportsmanship Award at the tournament, which is voted on by Umpires, VFW Staff, and coaches. This is a very special and meaningful award to receive out of 15 teams, and says a lot about this group of boys. They’re humble in victory, and gracious in defeat. They celebrate success with dignity, avoiding excessive celebrations and taunting. They’re respectful toward their teammates, umpires, and opposing players. Upon defeat, they’re often congratulating the other team and wishing them success going forward. It was a great honor for their good sportsmanship to be recognized and rewarded at the tournament by receiving the Benton Howe Team Sportsmanship Award.

The Wagner 12u baseball team had a great season. They won the Platte-Geddes 12u Tournament back on June 7th, placed 3rd/4th in the League Tournament July 1st, and placed 3rd in the 12u Bravo State VFW Tournament July 13th. They finished their 2025 season with a record of 18W-6L.

Team Members were: Ryder Insko, Dax Link, Grayson Knebel, Ron III Knudsen, Cartyr Gunhammer, Isaiah Moad, Dawson Peters, Critian Knudsen, Alex Woods, Finn Hopkins, Mason Turner, and Tucker Tjeerdsma joined for their state team.

Coaches were: Mike Insko, Todd Link, and Chuck Moad.