Mighty Mikes continue quest for state championship

By John Sherman Published August 2, 2025

From left are Ethan Senesec, Lincoln Rick, James Fry, Drew Luster, Ryley Wuebkers, Gavin Becker and Tate Tolifson.

ST. MICHAEL — A large crowd packed the stands at Lower Rec Field Friday night to watch the hometown St. Michael Mikes take on Hopkins in a State Tournament elimination game Aug. 1.

Mikes fans went home happy with a 7-3 victory and a chance to continue the title quest Aug. 2. Hopkins, primarily a senior team, left the park with a season record of 18-12-1.

A cohesive group of seniors has led the Mikes this season and after the win over Hopkins they shared their Legion experience with the media.

“It has been a really special year,” James Fry said. “We have great chemistry and we all work together.”

Hosting the State Legion Tournament has been a privilege for the Mikes. In addition to playing on the Lower Rec Field, Mikes players are proud of the way they take care of their field.

With two wins in the first three state games, St. Michael is hungry for more success. “We need to keep our foot on the gas,” said Drew Luster, who played on St. Michael’s last state Legion championship team in 2023. Luster came back as a college freshman for one final Legion season, and he’s happy that he did.

Lincoln Rick, the winning pitcher against Hopkins, put his heart and soul into the game. He threw hard and kept Hopkins off the base paths for the most part with help from his defense.

“I tried to attack early and blow the ball by them,” Rick said,

“We have played Hopkins quite a few times over the years,” Gavin Becker said. “It was fun beating them tonight.”

“It means a lot to me to play a last season with the boys,” Ethan Senesac said.

“I am going to have good memories of playing with my friends one last time,” Luster said.

What would be the ultimate way to end the season?

“It would be great if we could go out on top,” Tom Tolifson said.

That’s what St. Michael did in 2022 and again in 2023. The common thread is still there this year with Levi Fry as the manager.

St. Michael takes pride in its hitting with a team batting average of .294. Those leading the Mikes up that curve are Gavin Becker with his .415 average and James Fry with his .396 mark.

A deep pitching staff is another asset for the host team with quality appearances from Lincoln Rick, Gavin Becker, Blake Klinkhammer, Wes Byer and Ryley Wuebkers.