River Falls baseball's first trip to State since 2015 capped off an incredible season full of memorable moments. They loaded up the bus to make the trek to Appleton, but they had one stop to make first.

Back in 2015, River Falls found a random hay field in which to play a game of Wiffle ball. The team felt that was an important tradition to keep alive, this time stopping at a grain mill for a game of rag ball.

“We just found a random hay field, and we played a game of Wiffle ball. At that point in the season, you’re so well-prepared for State, you just need to relax and remind them why they’re there. They’re there because they love playing the game, they love playing for each other,” Bishop said.

That game was not the only parallel to the 2015 team, though.

“This team was so similar to our 2015 team. Just an incredible group of brothers, first and foremost. Played the game so well for each other and refused to go down without a fight. They just kept scrapping, and getting better and having each other’s backs,” Coach Ryan Bishop said. “When you have that mentality, you don’t necessarily need a bunch of superstars.”

When the team arrived at State, they were defeated 4-1 in the quarterfinal by Kaukauna. Despite the loss, the Wildcats fought like they had all year. Led by a team of about half seniors, the brain was the biggest weapon.

“It’s kind of crazy. When you get there, it’s just such a big stage. It’s got a different feel versus a Sectional,” Bishop said. “The hugs, and the tears and all the celebrations with their families [at Sectionals] is a different feel then what you actually feel when you’re at the State Tournament.”

Bishop said the returning players are going to need to step up and become the next generation of leaders. Whether it be student-athletes that were starters day in and day out or underclassmen that spent most of the time in the dugout, they have seen what it takes to get to the biggest stage.

“You just keep your foot on the gas on your preparation and approach,” Bishop said. “Anything is possible when you have that. I think they saw that this year.”

River Falls’ departing seniors are Ethan Jeffers, Landon McQuade, Cal DuMond, Cayden Kroll, Chase Rudolph, Colten Maves and Blake Fredrickson.