Story by Jennifer Corriea, Photo by Erin Kalfsbeek
COLUSA, CA (MPG) – At Colusa High School baseball holds an important place in its athletic history and much of that rests with the tradition surrounding the program which has five section titles to its credit and in all likelihood two more had COVID not interfered.
An example of the dedication that has turned the RedHawks into a perennial power occurred last Saturday, when an intrepid group of current and former players braved the elements to participate in the first alumni game in nearly a decade.
Organized by Luke Kalfsbeek as part of his Senior Project, the game, according to the reigning Northern Section MVP, is about connecting the work ethic and dedication of those who came before with the present team.
“This game is important because it provides motivation,” said Kalfsbeek. “We live in a small town and we bond over sports. I admire a lot of these alumni players and they serve as role models for us. What I take away from them is the determination and hard work that led to their success and hope that the younger guys see that as well. I want them to recognize that we have a great group of alumni supporting us.”
And while Mother Nature cut the game that ended in a 1-1 tie a little short, its really more about maintaining connections, because as they say in Colusa, “Tradition Never Graduates.”