The Chester Junior-Senior High School Volcanoes wrapped up their 2024 baseball season with an overall 15-7 record, having scored 6-2 in league play and 1-1 in the Section 6 playoffs. The Vols fell to Biggs High School in the second round of the playoffs by a score of 9-4 on May 14 on their home field.
The final game against the Biggs Wolverines matched two quality teams searching for the Section 6 title, said Vols assistant coach George Wellman. The score stood 4-3 in Biggs’ favor after four innings. In the fifth inning the Wolverines pushed over five runs, taking a 9-3 lead. The Vols rallied for one run in the sixth, ending the scoring with Biggs prevailing 9-4.
Highlights for the Vols included Jax Holland going 2-3, getting a walk and scoring one run and one RBI. Jacob Dowling continued his clutch hitting going 1-4, scoring a run and driving in a run. Trent Tissot punched out a line drive double, scoring once and driving in a run. Grady Klimek contributed a 1-3 effort with a walk and RBI. Kooper Clark went 1-2 with a walk and a scored run. Lucas Klimek and Chase Clark each contributed singles to complete the Vols’ eight-hit effort for the day.
Notable was the clean play by both teams: Biggs did not commit an error, and the Vols committed only one error. Kooper Clark had an outstanding defensive game with five putouts, three at third base and two at second base. Clark also had one assist. Jacob Dowling also continued his stellar defense with three putouts and an assist.
Dowling finished out the season leading the team with a perfect fielding percentage, not committing any errors on 78 fielding changes. The outfield trio of Trent Tissot, Callan Wiseman and Grady Klimek swept the outfield, contributing four fly ball putouts on a difficult breezy and glaringly bright sky.
The Five Star League athletic directors recently announced the all-league selections and the Vols are well represented, reports Wellman. Lucas Klimek, Jax Holland and Jacob Dowling were named all-league. Lucas Klimek was also chosen as league MVP. Honorable mentions went to Kooper Clark, and brothers Chase and Caiden Clark.
Seniors graduating this year are Jax Holland, Lucas Klimek, Jacob Dowling, Trent Tissot and Talon Pleau. Kooper Clark, Chase Clark, Caiden Clark, Callan Wiseman, Ulysses Bugarin, Grady Klimek and Logan Lebert will be returning next season.
Wellman announced his retirement at the end of this season and extends a sincere thank-you to the players, parents and fans for the “wonderful four years spent with this quality baseball program.” Wellman said he especially thanks head coach Mike Klimek, Athletic Director Terry Hernandez, and former Athletic Director Paul Hartig for allowing him to be a part of the development and growth of these young men.
Information provided by Chester Junior-Senior High School baseball team
