Bats rise and the announcer starts speaking. Families and their underclassmen teammates gather on the diamond to commemorate five seniors. This was a night to honor and celebrate the Class of 2026 Jaguars for their dedication to the baseball program over the past four years.
As #1, #5, #11, #24, and #28 were announced, the players each gave flowers to their mothers and strolled the field while their favorite memories, highlights, and future plans were presented over the speaker.
Then, at home plate, Principal Peter Bayer stood alongside Athletic Director Steve Bruns and the Jaguar baseball coaches. The players were handed baskets with treats and keepsake portraits before the moment was captured with a picture.
After the playing of the national anthem, senior Dean Jaworski threw out the first pitch of the game. Due to a fractured finger, Jaworski was not able to be the starting pitcher of the night. On behalf of the coaches and the team, they still found a way to honor the senior and his legacy at Charter.
“My favorite part of this program is being a family and having fun with all of my teammates. Everyone is here to give their 110%. Playing with my best friends and doing what I love has been the best thing in the world,” Jaworski notes.
On Tuesday, March 31, fans brought their Jaguar pride to watch these boys face the Aubrey Rogers Patriots at their home field.
“My favorite part [of this season] was leading these boys, being a role model [to them], and setting a great example [as a captain,]” senior Sean Hivon reflects.
Even though the Patriots struck in the first inning, the Jaguars refused to give up. Starting a rally in the second inning, freshman Gustavo Morillo hit a single, followed by third-baseman Cyrus De Jesus walking. Then, Hivon hit a double, bringing in two runs and tying the game 2-2.
The Jaguars and Patriots held a lockdown defense for the rest of the game, allowing no runs. This was up until the sixth and seventh innings, when the Patriots found a gap and scored five runs, ending the game with a final score of 2-7.
Even though the Jaguars lost the game, this night will forever be in the history books at Charter. All five seniors were able to play their hearts out one way or another and leave their marks on the pitch.
“This program means everything to me; to represent my team being here is an amazing feeling. I love these boys,” remarks Hivon.
To end the memorable night, the seniors shared a celebratory dinner and enjoyed one of their final team meals as Jaguars. Exchanging laughs, delicious food, and treats, this Jaguar tradition will prolong into the years to come. Even long after the final out, these graduating players will continue to carry the clay they collected as a reminder to keep striving for their dreams.
“Playing for this team with my brothers for the last few years has been the highlight of my life. Laughing so much and having fun competing with my boys is what makes this program so special to me,” senior Cole Eichinger emphasizes.
