By Blake Chadwick

For most programs having siblings on a team comes around every few years, but for the Hesston Swathers, it’s normal. 

The Swathers have three sets of brothers on this year’s team, and despite the immense amount of smack talk that happens, Hesston has used the sibling chemistry to their advantage. 

Brothers Kael and Keagan Shelite use their chemistry on the bump and behind the plate. 

“Going into the year, we knew Kael was going to be one of the guys we’d count on to be one of our dudes on the mound,” coach Phillip Unruh said. “I would have told you before the season that Keagan would be a mainstay on the infield. However, due to our starting catcher from last year still working his way back from surgery and other injuries, we’ve had Keagan step in and fill that position for us.”

The Shelites have used all their time playing together growing up to help propel the Swathers to their hot start. 

“Keagan is more of a power pitcher, I’m more of a finesse guy. Keagan hits the deep ball better than I do. I’m taller and bigger than him, he is shorter and quicker. Blonde vs. dark hair,” senior Kael Shelite said. “We have different pitching arsenals that we use. 

“I don’t goof around. I’m focused on results. Keagan is much more relaxed and is much more social than I am. Keagan is a power hitter, and I’m a contact and get-on-base guy.”

The two have high praise for each other on and off the field but know that their common goal is to win. 

“I want to go to state and get the single-season doubles record,” sophomore Keagan Shelite said. 

Kael knows the difference between the goal of getting to state and winning state and has his sights set on winning state as well as all-league and all-state honors. 

Be on the lookout for the Swathers to continue to ride the coattails of the team’s brotherly connection.