TOPEKA — Most high school sports teams are too focused on the next game. They often remove themselves from the gravity of the moment.
Shawnee Heights baseball is not like most teams.
The Thunderbirds will be playing in the Class 5A State Semifinals — weather permitting — on Thursday, May 28.
After winning the state quarterfinals, players and coaches were moved. When asked about his team, head coach Jason Brown became emotional after winning the big game.
Through his dark sunglasses, several tears streamed down his face.
“It’s mainly this class, these seniors,” Brown said. “Seeing them struggle as freshman, which they all do at this level, and seeing them come out here and just play free and happy and having fun, which is the name of it.”
In just his second season, Brown is delivering some big moments for Shawnee Heights.
This is the school’s first attempt at a state trophy since 2018, when the Thunderbirds took third. Shawnee Heights hasn’t been to the state championship game in 10 years. The team’s last state title came in 2011.
Brody Cooper threw a gem in the state quarterfinals to send Shawnee Heights into the final four.
Cooper speaks with a gravitas that makes you want to follow him into battle. He’s confident, sure of himself and often praising his teammates.
After he threw a complete game, Cooper spoke like normal. But his tone changed as his lip quivered. The senior became emotional, understanding that he pitched his final game in a Shawnee Heights uniform.
“Struggled my first two years, but my last two years have been special,” Cooper said. “This team means a lot. We are so close. It would mean everything (to win a state title), it’s my ultimate goal.”
The tears of Shawnee Heights leaders showcase how much they wanted a shot at the state championship. It also shows their profound love for the team, just hoping for one more day together.
Hopefully, the tears won’t be sad ones in the next two days. They’ll be dreaming of their tears falling onto the Class 5A State Championship trophy on Friday, May 29.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Behind the tears of Shawnee Heights state semifinal berth