BLANCHARDVILLE — Pecatonica’s postseason run ended one game short of state in 2022, but the defending conference champions are determined to get over the hump this year.

The Vikings had nine players make the Six Rivers East All-Conference list, led by Co-Player of the Year Hunter Enloe. Head coach Jim Strommen was also named Coach of the Year. Despite the graduation of four of those All-Conference players, five return.

“We have a lot of experience with five starters that were All-Conference last year,” Strommen said. “We also have three other letter winners.”

Coy Ruegsegger, the lone senior, received First-Team All-Conference honors as an infielder. He hit .281 with 17 RBIs. On the mound, he went 3-1 with a 2.00 ERA.

Tyler McKeon, a junior, was a First-Team All-Conference and All-District Honorable Mention infielder. He hit .378 with 19 RBIs and 22 stolen bases. On the bump, recorded two wins with two saves.

Jameson Johnson was a First-Team All-Conference and All-District Honorable Mention infielder, too. The junior leads all returners with a .473 batting average. He collected 21 RBIs and went 4-1 on the mound.

Behind the plate, Elijah Knutson earned First-Team All-Conference honors. He returns the most RBIs (25) and also hit over .400. He collected three wins on the mound without suffering a loss, recording a 1.58 ERA.

Junior Carson Kurschner is the fifth First-Team All-Conference returner in the outfield. He hit .333 with 22 RBIs.

Three other experienced players also return in juniors Max Steele, Lukas Rue and Talen Havens.

Sophomores Drew Hendrickson, Grady Gordon and Charles Anderson add even more depth to Pecatonica’s roster. 

Gordon, especially, will be key in the outfield after the graduation of All-Conference outfielders Kegun Brunker and Devon Doran.

“We need to improve our defensive play overall,” Strommen said. “We must also replace two starters in the outfield.”

Strommen knows these aspects will be crucial in competing the Barneveld for the conference title. The Eagles had seven All-Conference selections last year, including Co-Player of the Year Aiden Fishnick. Five of those players return, along with two other starters.

“Barneveld returns seven starters and lots of experience,” Strommen said. “They have a strong program.”