The Seymour High School Softball Spotlight is sponsored by Bonduel State Bank and Highway 29 Auto.
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Audio PlayerAfter a memorable 2024 season that ended with a trip to the WIAA State Tournament, the Bonduel Bears are back on the diamond and hoping to pick up right where they left off.
There’s no shortage of excitement surrounding this year’s squad, and for good reason. The Bears return several key players from last year’s team, including ace pitcher Cade Johnson, who will once again lead the rotation.
“Cade is Cade,” said head coach Don Gruenwald. “When he’s on the mound, he’s doing everything he can to get you a win.”
Alongside Johnson, Beckett Hartleben and Race Anvelink return with improved command and mound presence, while Mason Zuleger, who logged heavy JV innings last season, is expected to contribute as well. The Bears are also eyeing a few younger arms to step up in weekend games, with an eye on the future.
With strong pitching and sound defense forming the core of Bonduel’s identity, the Bears are hoping for a repeat of last year’s stingy numbers — when they allowed just 41 runs over 27 games, only 12 of which were unearned.
“If we can get good pitching and good defense, all you need is a couple of runs to win a game,” Gruenwald said. “I’ll take a 2-0 win any day.”
Community Support and a Culture of Success
Bonduel’s baseball momentum is part of a larger wave of athletic success across the school. Since last spring, Bonduel teams in baseball, golf, volleyball, cross country, and basketball have all made state tournament appearances.
That winning culture has fueled both belief and high expectations for every team that follows.
“The community is behind us, and these kids just want to keep the train going,” Gruenwald said. “It started last spring, and now everyone wants to punch that ticket to state.”
Of course, being the defending sectional champions comes with its own target.
“We’re going to get everybody’s best game,” Gruenwald said. “But we’re ready for it.”
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