Recent HHS graduate Ty Dirks hits a double in a state semifinal game, the last of his high school career. — Photo by Jes-c French
In one of the highlights of the game against Buena Vista, Reid Sprague scores a run on a strikeout. — Photo by Jes-c French
‘We don’t go down without a fight’
When things got tough for the Dragons in the Colorado 2A state tournament, coach Jimmy French told his team, “We don’t go down without a fight.” And fight they did.
After a regional victory at home, Holyoke advanced to the May 26 state quarterfinals in Pueblo, where they beat Buena Vista 4-3. On May 27, they fell to Limon 11-4 in the semifinals.
Across the weekend one thing remained consistent: Holyoke had to fight every step of the way. They battled in their at-bats. When baserunning, they were in the dirt over and over again as the pitchers tried to pick them off. Every run was hardfought, one at a time. It was a performance that the team can truly be proud of.
French said, “I’m just really proud of how far we’ve come.” The HHS baseball program has gone from a winless season in 2021 to finishing the 2023 season in the top four in the state.
“I’m proud of how much everyone on the team has grown and improved – on and off the field,” French added.
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