By David Murchland - Marshfield Now!
MARSHFIELD — Students, families, faculty, alumni, and community members gathered at Columbus Catholic High School on Monday afternoon to send off the Dons baseball team as it departed for the WIAA State Baseball Tournament.
The ceremony celebrated a team that earned the tournament's top seed and recognized the players' accomplishments both on and off the field.
Addressing the crowd, school leaders praised the players for their dedication and character throughout the season.
"We've had the privilege watching these young men represent our school every day," one speaker said. "They are outstanding students, teammates, leaders, and role models. Their success is a reflection of their hard work, their character, and the support they receive from coaches, families, teachers, and this entire community."
The school also recognized the many families, businesses, alumni, and community members who supported the team throughout the season through volunteer efforts, attendance at games, purchases of team apparel, and financial contributions.
"The support these young men have received over the season has truly been remarkable," the speaker said. "The excitement, pride, and encouragement you have shown help create memories that these young men will carry with them long after the final out is recorded."
Head Coach Jared Krasselt thanked the players, families, assistant coaches, and supporters who helped make the season possible.
"I just want to thank everybody," Krasselt said. "These guys, your families, just thank you. It won't ever be enough."
Krasselt also recognized the sacrifices made by coaches' families during the long baseball season and expressed gratitude for the community's support as the team prepared for state competition.
Senior players Mac and Ethan also addressed the crowd, thanking supporters for backing the team throughout the season and expressing their appreciation for the turnout at the send-off.
"Thank you on behalf of the team for coming out and showing support all season," one player said. "Hopefully we can see a lot of you guys tomorrow."
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony came when Joseph Konieczny spoke on behalf of senior Devlin Timmler, who was unable to attend after leaving June 1 for National Guard training.
Konieczny reflected on the values learned through baseball and the qualities that Devlin exemplified through his commitment to service.
He told the crowd that Devlin would have wanted to thank his teammates, coaches, parents, classmates, and supporters while encouraging everyone to continue cheering on the Dons during their state tournament run.
Konieczny spoke about the lessons athletics teach, including discipline, sacrifice, humility, accountability, and perseverance, noting that those qualities will remain with the players long after their time on the baseball field.
Concluding his remarks, Konieczny shared the message he believed Devlin would want his teammates to hear: "He loves you, enjoy it, and win."
The send-off also included a lighter moment as players demonstrated their "double celebration" moves, recreating the celebrations they perform after hitting doubles during games. The activity drew laughter and applause from those gathered.
As the ceremony came to a close, younger students formed a tunnel for the team to pass through before making its way outside. Community members were then invited to line Columbus Avenue and cheer as the Dons departed under a police escort on their journey to the state tournament.
The event concluded with a standing show of support from the Columbus Catholic community, sending the team off with cheers, applause, and well wishes as it prepared to compete on Wisconsin's biggest high school baseball stage.