When the decision was made to cancel the summer sports season here in Eagle Grove, three of the student-athletes decided they did not want to see their season end. That shows that they all love the game that much. Jozey Gump, Mark Dawson and Thomas Matthes were not content to just watch some ball games at a neighboring school to get their summer ball ‘fix’, they wanted to play. When the state ruled that any athlete without a team could switch to another team, sort of a ‘short-term transfer’ if you will, they jumped at the chance.
Gump is so far fitting in nicely on a team that is rather young and a bit inexperienced, and has had some strong at-bats in the early going. However, she relates that it wasn’t easy finding a home at first. “Initially I was told no by several schools before I found Glidden-Ralston (in Carroll County) to play for,” said the senior. She found a connection to help her out, as her pastor Tim Olson was friends with Glidden’s assistant coach Chaun Bergmeier who was also a pastor. “Coach Bergmeier and his wife Becky were looking for girls to play for their young team there,” explained Gump. “Lori Olson reached out to Amanda Friedl, who then asked me if I wanted to play for them. Chaun and Becky were willing to be my host family, so I didn’t have to drive two hours a day for practices and games! The girls on the team seemed excited for me to come, and that made me want to play there all the more.”
Gump readily admits that softball is her life, and that she has worked hard her whole life to be great at this one sport she loves. “Despite having to drive and stay with a host family, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made because the G-R team, coaches and my host family are absolutely amazing to me and have welcomed me with open arms,” she said. “They gave me the chance of a lifetime to play softball my final year, which I couldn’t be more thankful for.” She relates that she is gaining the fact that the game is fun when you work as a team. “Each of the girls are willing to do anything and everything for each other, which is something I have been looking for,” said Gump. “Each of them wants to be on the field which is absolutely amazing and makes me want to work harder each day at practice and in games.”
She goes on to explain that, when she first arrived at practice, one of the coaches told her the catchers position was open for her because the two catchers they did have were young. “I still felt the need to earn my spot in the first week of practice, and that is what I did,” said Gump. “I also have been helping the other girls to get them ready to catch for varsity in the years to come. They were happy to have me as their new starting catcher because I had experience.”
As happy as she is to now to be a member of the Wildcats, she does miss playing for the Eagle home fans. “I really miss having everyone I know around me and cheering for me,” said Gump. ‘However, so many people have been supporting me from the Eagle Grove community here at the home games which is great and I would love to have more of my home fans come.”
Senior Mark Dawson also didn’t want his high school baseball career to end early, so he asked Eagle coach Jordan Miller if he could join another school. He asked all around the local area, but didn’t get the answer he wanted so he reached out farther and still no luck. “Then I saw that Thomas (Matthes) joined a team, and the coach agreed to help me join that program (Roland-Story) and they said yes,” said Dawson. “I am so happy that I’m getting to play ball for one last year of my high school career. I am so grateful that this team has let not just me play but Thomas too.”
He admits that, when he saw that Eagle Grove cancelled the season he was upset that baseball was being taken away from him, he quickly reached out to be able to still play his senior year. “When I showed up on my first day of practice, I was nervous but since they knew Thomas I thought I would get to know the guys,” said Dawson. “But they came up to me to ask some questions and to play some catch and get warmed up. So we got close because the guys didn’t know I was going to the Marines, didn’t know I was a four-sport athlete and didn’t know that I work at 6 and get off at noon to go to games and didn’t know after morning runs I would drive to practice.” He tells that one of the Roland-Story players told him it’s a big waste of money and gas to drive an hour to just be taught how to run. “I told him I won’t care if we were learning signs today, because every practice should count even for the little things, so that when you practice the little things the big things are just the icing on the cake,” said Dawson
He feels he is learning new techniques, and still needs to ‘bust his butt’ to play on varsity just like everyone else. “I do miss the fans, friends, team and the community support by not playing in Eagle Grove,” said the senior. “I would love to see some Eagle fans down in Story City to watch Thomas and I play ball.” He also wants to mention that the team there does a thing called ‘what does it mean to be committed to Roland-Story?’ “I am committed to Roland-Story because the coach gave me the opportunity to play my last year of high school ball, and I am also thankful to the school board for letting Thomas and I come here,” he said. “I am so grateful that the guys like having us playing with them. These players and coaches are amazing people. I don’t care how long the drive is, I am just happy to get to play. Go Norse!”
Softball head coach Jim McLaughlin is happy that all three Eagle athletes get to participate in an activity they really enjoy. “It’s nice that the seniors are able to have this opportunity to make a few more memories,” said the coach. “As for them playing for another team, I’ve watched several of my players play club ball over the years and this feels the same. It’s nice to be able to watch players you’ve coached play without having to coach them at the same time.”
He traveled to Glidden and watched Gump play, and saw all the excitement coming from the players, coaches, parents and fans there. “This is what I miss about not having a team here this summer,” said McLaughlin. “I miss that our team, parents and fans cannot get to live in the summer ball field environment.” His advice to the other players who will return next year is to find ways to get your skill/development work in. “With so many knowledgeable people putting their knowledge of all aspects of softball and baseball out there on websites, YouTube videos etc., they can access anything they need,” he said. “Our players will go almost 22 months from their last game until their next. That’s a long time, and each player will make decisions that will, or will not, develop and strengthen their skills so they can be as ready as possible for next summer.”
Head baseball skipper Jordan Miller thinks it’s great that these two players of his found a team. “We all wished it could be in the purple and gold, but we understand that a decision for the well being of the athletes, families and community was made,” stated Miller. “I wish my two guys nothing but the best with the Norsemen, and especially Mark for his senior year. That’s not to take anything away from Thomas, but I would hate to have your senior year unavailable.”
On a personal level, Miller misses everything from practices to the fieldwork and even the bus rides. “We care about these athletes as if they were our own children, and not seeing them day in and day out isn’t easy,” said the skipper. “The last two days have been hard for me with games starting, but I hope that everything happens for a reason.”
He also has advice for the rest of his team that are not able to have a season. “First, I say be someone who pushes themselves,” said Miller. “Second, but really the major thing, is I want everyone to stay healthy and be ready for hopefully an uninterrupted 20-21 sports calendar year. I miss you guys a lot!”
Editor’s Note: Thomas Matthes was contacted for this story, but did not respond to the interview questions.
