By Blake Chadwick

After winning the class 4A State Championship and ending the season with a 21-4 record, and on a 12-game win streak, the McPherson Bullpups have put all their energy into repeating.

“We definitely have a target on our back,” head coach Heath Gerstner said. “I think we will get everyone’s best shot and won’t surprise anyone.  We have some really good young players that have had the good fortune to watch how that 2022 and 2023 senior group went about their business.”

The Bullpups return senior right hand pitcher and infielder Owen Fetsch, and juniors Carter Allen, Ian Razak, and Brock Richardson who all spend time on the mound as well as man the catcher and infield positions, respectively.

As for the rest of the positions, coach Gertner believes they have a lot of guys that will be ready to play for the Bullpups.

“We have a few guys that will need to play well for us to reach the goals we want,” Gertsner said. “I am excited about a couple kids that have zero varsity experience.  Junior Brody Seidl, should man a spot in the outfield and provide a spark at the plate and bases and then a sophomore, Cade Strathman that could make a splash on the infield. I think people will also be surprised by junior Logan Beede on the mound as well.”

While a lot of people may have been satisfied, McPherson wasn’t and immediately got back to work.

“Our guys have worked their tails off for six weeks in the mornings at 6:15 A.M. and I have been impressed with how they get after it,” Gerstner said. “Obviously Coach Pav and Coach Harlin run our weights program through the school and all of our guys are involved there, too.  It is truly key to our success.”