BERLIN — In all the craziness of winning not just a state title, but the program’s third straight and fourth overall, is the story behind the story.
From a group of seven seniors who had this day on their brains and on June 15th got to experience the thrill of achieving their ultimate goal: a title of their own. They won 5-4 against Lake Center Christian to win the Division VI State Title.
“They are all phenomenal teammates, they showed up for each other, they all worked at their craft and expected their teammates to do the same,” Hiland coach Chris Dages said. “They knew what it would take to pull this off and they put their hearts and souls into it. They also, worked hard to foster a team atmosphere where everyone felt appreciated and everyone was contributor no matter their role.”
That complete team mentality is a large reason why the Hawk’s became the third team in OHSAA history to ever win three in a row, joining Cincinnatti Elder and Newark Catholic. Even bigger for Dages is the growth this group of seniors showed from being freshmen to dancing on field at Canal Park that Sunday.
“It’s not just how their game changed, but they got physically stronger, tougher mentally, and we all saw the time and energy they put in together,” Dages said. “They are different people leaving then when they come in. It’s been a special opportunity for we as coaches to watch these young guys grow up and now grow into contributors in our community.”
With that we take look at the whole experience through the eyes of two of those seven seniors, Keith Hershberger and Cade Beachy. Hershberger played a phenomenal shortstop — at times looking like Ozzie Smith or Omar Vizquel — with some incredible plays and Beachy was one of the best in patrolling leftfield. Both were key components to the Hawk’s success this year and over the past couple years.
They both were asked these five questions: 1. How does it feel to be State Champions? is the feeling still surreal? 2. What was your favorite part of the experience this spring? 3. Where did you grow the most from being a freshman to a senior? How? 4. What advice would you give the youth? 5. Last shoutout? Who would you thank for helping you get here today?
KEITH HERSHBERGER – #10 – SS/P
CADE BEACHY – #2 – LF
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Three in a row through their eyes: Two Hiland seniors remember the experience
Reporting by Joshua McWilliams, Wooster Daily Record / The Daily Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
