News Summary

The Wellington High School baseball program, rooted in a rich legacy since 1991, continues to thrive despite coaching changes and player transfers. Celebrating key achievements, including the state championship, the community reflects on its proud history and anticipates future developments as new players and a hopeful spirit emerge in local baseball.

Wellington High School Baseball Legacy Celebrated Through Notable Achievements and Coaching Changes

Have you heard about Wellington? This charming town in Kansas was once known as the premier Babe Ruth town, and it has an impressive baseball legacy that deserves to be celebrated! The journey of Wellington High School’s baseball program began back in 1991, and it’s been quite a ride ever since.

A Passion for Baseball Begins

In its very first year, the Wellington High School baseball team made waves by reaching the state tournament. Fast forward to 1995 and the baseball scene in Wellington was buzzing with talent. The standout players included the Cornejo brothers; Jesse, a senior, and Nate, a freshman. These boys were no ordinary players; their father, Mardie Cornejo, threw pitches for the 1976 New York Mets—talk about a baseball pedigree!

But the Cornejo brothers didn’t stop at just baseball. They also excelled in other sports—Nate’s middle school football team boasted three undefeated seasons, and Jesse led his football team through an unbeatable regular season, although they faced a tough playoff. Their athletic prowess didn’t stop there, as Wellington’s basketball team even reached regional championships, with Nate climbing the ranks to varsity status as a freshman—an impressive achievement for WHS!

The Stars of the Show

It wasn’t just the Cornejo brothers making headlines. The baseball team had some serious depth in pitching, with players like Jason Ybarra hurling fastballs at 80—85 mph. Under the guidance of their first head coach, Bill Shaw, the team’s hitting was equally strong, seeing seniors Josh Struble and Aron Watts batting over .400.

However, the 1995 season wasn’t all smooth sailing. Heavy rainfall plagued the season, forcing numerous doubleheaders to be rescheduled. The competitive Chisholm Trail League was influenced heavily by the success of the nearby Wichita State University baseball program, raising the stakes for everyone involved.

Despite these challenges, Wellington managed to secure a spot in the state tournament for the first time in four years. The wet weather ended up playing to Wellington’s advantage, ensuring a Cornejo would take the mound for every game. The team displayed their skills by defeating Hoisington 6-0 in their opening game and edging past Parsons 2-1 in the next. The excitement reached a fever pitch when they clinched the Class 4A state championship by overcoming Topeka Hayden with a score of 6-1.

What Happened Next?

Wellington’s baseball program didn’t lose momentum after that. In 1996, they reached the state championship game again but fell to Topeka Hayden. Over the years, many teams from WHS made it to the state tournament, but it’s been a while since they claimed the title, with no appearances since 2006. On a brighter note, both Jesse and Nate Cornejo continued their baseball careers, with Jesse taking the field for Texas Tech and Nate making his mark with the Detroit Tigers.

In 2015, the 1995 team was honored with a celebratory event for their 20th anniversary, but rainy weather delayed the festivities until 2016. Through thick and thin, the legacy of this baseball program continues to spark fond memories in Wellington.

Coaching Changes and Future Directions

As we dive into current happenings, Scott Riddle, the beloved coach of the Wellington High School baseball team, has decided to step down after an incredible 19 seasons. Riddle leaves behind a stunning record of over 300 career wins, and this past season the team finished with an 18-11 record, also winning the 11-7A district title. He’s ready to focus more on his family as his twin daughters gear up to graduate high school. Thankfully for the school, he’ll remain teaching, leaving the door open for coaching down the line.

Wellington isn’t the only school experiencing coaching changes; other local Palm Beach County baseball coaches like Tony Gullo, Matt Judkins, Jerry Albert, and Christian Benhart are also stepping back, marking a transition for many teams.

Player Transfers and New Developments

In player news, Vance Sheahan, an infielder from Cardinal Newman, is making headlines by transferring to Miami after stellar performances at South Carolina-Upstate. Likewise, Tyler Lichtenberger, who previously played shortstop for West Boca Raton, is leaving Appalachian State to join Clemson after being named the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year.

As for field developments, exciting changes are underway for Oxbridge Academy. Thanks to an anonymous donor, the academy will soon have its very own baseball field, with construction expected to kick off this coming fall. It looks like the spirit of baseball is as vibrant as ever in Wellington!

So here’s to Wellington—the heart and soul of baseball in Kansas, where past glories and future potential continue to intertwine!

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