Home Talent: Waunakee looks to return to the final four

After going to the final four last season, Waunakee’s Home Talent baseball team is hungry for more in 2024.

The Yaks, as the Local Nine are known, must replace designated hitter Dane Luebke, among others, but most of the 2023 crew returns looking to finish the job that team started. The road might be tougher this time around, though.

“Two years ago, we lost in the sectional championship game,” said Justin Acker, the team’s head coach. “Last year, we won the Northern section and represented the North in the final four. We went 1-2 in the final four, beating Jefferson and losing to Monona twice. This year we won’t be able to sneak up on anyone. We plan on getting everyone’s best shot.”

Up and down the league, there are talented teams chomping at the bit to knock Waunakee off its perch.

“The league is very deep with every team capable of getting into the sectional playoff, and they are all capable of winning games,” said Acker, who is entering his third year with Waunakee. “If we can stay healthy and our pitching holds up, I see us finishing in the top half of the North again and possibly able to make a playoff run once more.”

Going 10-3 in the 2023 regular season, Waunakee earned a No. 3 seed for the playoffs. They edged Mazomanie 2-1 in the first round and Middleton 4-3 in the sectional semifinal, before beating Sauk Prairie 6-3 in the sectional final. In round one of the final four, Waunakee lost to Monona 10-5, but the Local Nine rebounded to slip past Jefferson 3-2 in round two. In an elimination game, Monona ended Waunakee’s season with a 6-5 victory.

Luebke is the only starter who doesn’t return for the Yaks. Pitcher Bucky Kuhn, infielder Zach Stoffels and pitcher/outfielder Finn Melchoir won’t be back either, as all found jobs outside the area, according to Acker. Also, Bryce Bieri will be out while recovering from injury.

Still, Waunakee is loaded for bear.

“On the infield we return Andy Nordloh, Jarrett Fueger, Misha Capaul, and Riley Ripp, Dayne Olesen and Zach Johnson,” said Acker. “A newcomer on the infield is Collin Meinert. The outfield has Adam Acker, Ryne Fueger, Shea DuCharme and Johnson. Newcomers to the outfield are Wade Farmer and Henry Pitsch. Jeff Thomasen, Nordloh and Ryne Fueger will do the majority of the catching. The pitching staff will be anchored Blake Bieri and also includes Trevor Stevens, Edward Calvo, Johnson, Olesen, Acker, Nordloh and Ripp.”

If the hitting comes around, look for another strong season for Waunakee.

“Our team strengths last year and hopefully this year pitching and defense,” said Acker. “We were in every game last year. Solid pitching and defense will lead to that.”

As for the league, Waunakee will have to stay sharp week in, week out.

“Other teams to watch are always Sauk Prairie and Middleton,” said Acker. “They’ve been the top two seeds the last two years. Cross Plains and Ashton are always good, and so is Reedsburg. Black Earth has a veteran team and Mazomanie has a tough lineup. Wisconsin Dells has really improved and made the playoffs last year. It will be a challenging year no doubt.”

Who will rule the roost in the North this year?

“I’d say Sauk or Middleton are the favorites again this year,” said Acker. “Plain is a team that could make some noise after not making the playoffs last year. They have some good players and if they put it together, could challenge for a playoff spot this year.”

Waunakee should be in the mix, though.

“We really have a great group of guys,” said Acker. “They get along well, pull for each other to succeed, and sincerely enjoy each other’s company on and off the field. It’s what has made me come back to coach them.”