‘There’s tremendous joy in Lakeville, the Lions are going to State’

Former Clear Lake Head Baseball Coach Tony Kockler delivered a pre-game speech to the State-bound Lions Tuesday morning as only an English teacher can do.

“Casey at the Bat,” by Ernest Lawrence Thayer, became a story of the 2013 Lions heading to state.  He 

gathered the team in front of him to re-count the season in which the Lions set a school record for number of wins, won a conference championship and qualified for State.

Kockler, who himself played on a championship high school team, then coached a Lion team which lost its opening game at State, challenged the team to keep their chins up when tough things happen.  “And remember, whatever happens to you this week, don’t bring back regret.”

Head Coach Seth Thompson thanked the community, businesses and parents for their support throughout the season.

“There may be teams that are older, faster and stronger, but for whatever reason these guys, when they lace it up and come out as a team, come out on top.  I’ll pick them every time.”