Mighty bats take Hurons on ride of a lifetime
by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor
It was the greatest varsity softball experience in the lives of a group of young ladies who exuded late inning confidence and made opposing pitchers wonder where an easy out was. The simple answer: there were no easy outs.
One through nine, the 2013 Rogers City Huron softball team had a formidable lineup. They also can be characterized as a team that kept battling and had a never-say-die mentality.
The hitt’n Hurons were tough at the plate last year when they set records for total victories, but they took a step forward.
In the off-season, head coach Karl Grambau said $3,000 was spent to purchase bats from Muhl Tech to improve the Hurons’ power hitting.
“Muhl Tech said, if you get our stuff, you will increase your doubles, triples and home runs,” said Grambau.
That certainly held true as the Lady Hurons hit 25 home runs in 2013 on their way to an amazing run to the Division IV state semifinal game in Battle Creek.
Their hitting prowess was never more noticeable when they came from four runs down twice against Posen and launched memorable homers over the Sault Ste. Marie fence to come from behind against Rapid River and win a regional title.
They then made quick work of Frankfort three days later at the Division IV quarterfinal at Traverse City West High School with a 15-hit attack that resulted in a 14-2 win.
In comparing the 2013 Huron squad to the Cardiac Kids of 2004, another team that advanced to Battle Creek, Grambau said, “I think this year’s team had more solid hitting one through nine. These kids had the same attitude as the Cardiac Kids. Never say die, keep going, never give up, keep fighting, keep battling and good things will happen.
“I think one through nine, this is the best hitting team I have seen,” Grambau said after the Frankfort win. He said assistant coach Gary Bisson did a lot of the one-on-one teaching with the girls. “I have never seen a person who could show a kid how to hit like he can,” said Grambau.
It was a Huron squad that swung a mighty bat through a historic run through the playoffs. They lose key seniors such as Brooklyn Idalski, Rebecca Meredith, Nikkie Jo LaLonde and Brenna Hincka, but are loaded with returning players, including three first-team all-state players and an honorable mention player.
Making it to Battle Creek was a dream come true for the 2013 Hurons, and a much-appreciated taste of success for the seniors, but there certainly could be more in store for a program loaded with talent, and now, even more experience.
Maybe next year will be the one that Rogers City can finally lay claim to being the only D-IV school to end the season with a win. That elusive state championship trophy seems closer than ever.
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Rogers City Varsity Softball Roster
No. Name Grade
1 Jess Butera 11
2 Rachel Chojnacki 11
5 Brooklyn Idalski 12
6 Nikki Ra
7 Nikkie Jo LaLonde 12
8 Sarah Meredith 9
9 Courtney Streich 11
10 Logan Fleming 10
12 Morgan Hall 11
13 Alexa Quaine 10
14 Rebecca Meredith 12
15 Holle Dittmar 11
16 Brenna Hincka 12
22 Cassie Brege 11
Head Coach:
Karl Grambau
Assistant coaches:
Gary Bisson
Greta Grambau