Reader comments: High school baseball: Wayne wins 3rd consecutive title

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Ron Montez Steele | 8:02 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Congradulations Badgers, Your commitment to baseball
is heartwarming.
Nothing can ever replace hard work and dedication,three championships in a row puts Wayne High in a spot few schools can match.
Let the dynasty begine.
Ron& Montez Steele
M
Moab Utah
State Champs | 8:53 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Of course Wayne won, never doubted it! GO WAYNE HIGH!
Coach Atkin, St. Joe | 9:08 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Congrats to Scott and his boys. I do not care what anyone will argue, they are a classy bunch and myself and our program have the utmost respect for them. Congrats to everyone in the state tourney this year, and Valley...thanks for the best game in recent memory! I'm looking forward to next year. Thanks to all the athletes and parents who work so hard to make the jobs of us coachs so fun and rewarding!!
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 9:32 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
I'm sure Coach Barney and the rest of the Panguitch crew was "expecting to win". Way to go Wayne! Congrats on another state ship!
Proud Badger Fan | 10:02 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Great Job Badgers! We are so proud of you! You go out and represent your school and parents so well. You have shown us what hard work and dedication can accomplish. Way to go! We Love you!
Coach | 11:07 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
I hope we can refrain from taking shots at Panguitch or anybody else. They showed a lot of courage and toughness this year. I believe the only team they lost to was this Wayne team. Congrats on a great year, Panguitch. Looks like you have a lot of good times ahead of you as well.
Coach Martin - SLC | 11:27 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
What a run Wayne. I coached against your group of older kids a few summers back and was amazed at the talent we faced from such a small community. I've kept up with you ever since, and want to say congrats and job well-done. Sound/looks like there are a lot of people doing a lot of things right down there.
BALL FAN | 11:47 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
WHAT A GREAT EXAMPLE OF COACHING THE TEAM YOU HAVE INSTEAD OF GOING WITH TRDITIONAL THINKING. WAYNE HIGH HAS A GREAT BASEBALL MIND IN COACH E.
Was just wondering who | 1:13 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
won the title before Wayne began their 3 year run. Does anyone know?
Boobcats | 1:59 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Panguitch won it before Wayne went on their tear.
wisconsin fan | 2:04 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
This article was written very well. We are a fan of Tom Backman.
Waterford | 4:07 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Scott - great job. We could see it coming back when we had baseball. Keep up the good work.
Jeff Chappell | 5:03 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Congratulation to all the boys, Coach Ellett and your whole coaching staff. To you seniors, thanks for not only being champions on the field, but also fine young men off. You've been great examples to the younger boys. You've secured your place in Wayne High School athletics history and your influence will be felt for many years to come. It's been a pleasure cheering you on these past 4 years.

To Panguitch, we all thought this would be a down year for the Bobcats and there you were again challenging for the championship! Congratulations to all of you and your coaches on a fine year. What a great sports tradition you have.

And finally, thanks, Wildcat fan. I agree, Wayne County participation in the great youth baseball programs in Richfield have been and continue to be a big part of Wayne's baseball success. Thanks for your help and support. I continue to watch and cheer for the many boys and their parents we knew and participated with in our years in Richfield. Best of luck to all. Jeff Chappell.
A Parent | 6:51 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Thanks to the parents for helping get the kids there. Being involved in a positive activity is a good thing - for the families and for the community. Thanks to the D-News for getting the positive word out.
Coach Ryan | 9:03 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Congrats to Wayne. You are classy, hard working, and just have tremendous chemistry. Three straight Championships, and 51 straight wins is amazing in any class, region, state! You guys have set the standard for 1A Baseball in the state of Utah.

Once again, congratulations!
Trevor Taylor Wayne | 10:40 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
congrats to my fellow wayne friends it has been a fun year playing with you guys and one i will never forget im really glad i had the opportunity to play on the same field with such great kids and extroardinary athletes i will miss playing baseball with you guys and i will remember and look back and cherish the great times we have had thanks for the ride boys!! And i would also like to thank all the other teams and coaches for such a great year it has been a pleasure to compete with everyone thanks!! Also i would like to tell the West Ridge team that they played a tremendous game in the semi finals i liked the atmosphere they brought to the field and i liked how they talked up each other after great plays defensively and offensively great job boys and great coaching thanks!
Wayne Seniors | 9:34 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
Wow! What a ride. Looking back you went 77-5 in the four years you were at Wayne HS. That's nothing short of AMAZING! Not to mention all the other games and tournaments you were in during your careers. GREAT JOB!
Wayne Student Body | 10:49 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
Wow way to go boys! You really did a fantastic job! You represented wayne high very well and had a great season! I guess i can say from all of us here at wayne high we appreciate you and ARE SO PROUD OF OUR BASEBALL BOYS u did an amazing job!
outsider | 11:07 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
What Wayne has accomplished is something to be proud of no matter what classification you play in. Good job. I've read about how dominating this group of seniors has been throughout their high school careers, I was curious whether any of them have been offered scholarships or plan to continue playing at the next level.
NOT | 11:10 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
dont tell wayne how amazing they are. we all already know how good they think they are so why do we have to tell them? we all know...your the best ever and you all will play mlb some day. so quit bragging please?
Coach W Brock | 11:20 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
Congrats Wayne, you guys are great, players and coaches, it has always been fun to play you guys from our first meeting in the semi's in 2005, I knew when we beat you guys then you would never forget it, yea we woke up a SLEEPING BADGER! It has been fun playing you guys in the past few years even though you have owned us. 3 in a row that is huge don't let anyone tell you diferent. The game on Friday was fun we had to play our best and didn't, but it was good to be there and loose to the best. I have seen you guys over the past few years and I have seen lots of bigger high school baseball here in SLC and you guys have been as good as anyone. Well Coach Ellett and the rest of your staff have done a great job and have a great program, and have always been great to us here at West Ridge, thanks. And Trevor T. it was great to talk with you after the game, you are a stud! I hope you go play ball somewhere you are good enough as well as your teammates.
Greg Parsons | 12:21 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
Congratulations to the Badgers and Coach Ellet and his coaching staff. You guys have set the standard high and have been a fine example setting that standard. You have won with dignity, respect of the game and most of all with tons of sportmanship. Thanks for helping my team get focused and realize that they could be a great team.

Congrats also goes out the Panguitch. You have had a great season. It isn't fun to lose, let me tell you, especially at this time of the season. But I know that there are 17 other coaches and ball teams that would have loved to be where you were on Saturday.

Congrats also to West Ridge and Valley. You both played extremely well and should hold your heads up high.
It was sure a great season, looking forward to next year already.
Yup, He is a stud! | 1:03 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
Trevor you are a stud. You kept that team from falling apart during the game on friday. You definately played well and made some great plays. I hope that Littlewood was watching and lets you come and see his program. There are some good players playing for Coach Littlewood right now and you could keep right with any of them. Good Luck and work hard in basketball. You are not just a great athlete but very motivating in the moment. Keep it up and much success. CJ Sorenson
Who?? | 1:16 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
So who wins MVP for this group? Taylor, the hero on Friday and a strong bat as well as strong center field...L. Peterson, steady lead off batter, lead team in BA, utility defender, solid pitcher....Ellet, lead team in HRs and was a great pitcher....i would guess it would have to be any of these three guys?? some1 evaluate more please
re: Who?? | 2:03 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
my guess is it will be between J. Ellett and C. Bray. Jordan was definitely the guy on the mound and hit a lot of HR's. Carson should have ridiculous offensive numbers and was our best hitter, his ba might be in the .600s. Maybe the coaches can post some numbers?
Coaches | 2:40 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
Coach Ellet please post numbers that your team put up such as individual numbers. We would all like to know exactly the numbers that these kids had. Maybe not all, maybe just give us Brays, Jordans, Lances, and Taylor's
Badger Fan :) | 4:10 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
It's been fun watching you guys play :) You guys were wonderful! All due to outstanding coaches and lots of hard work I'm sure. I'll miss the seniors and being able to watch them represent Wayne High! Nice job Badgers! :)
Re: Who?? | 4:37 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
I would say Carson Bray for the season. The kid had some amazing numbers at the plate. Was the most consistant in the field all year long and was amazing in the play-offs going probably 6 for 10 batting 1000 in the final. He shut people down when he got a chance on the mound with great control and speed but wasn't given the chance to go very many innings. His hit to strike out ratio was probably the best on the three. Trevor Taylor was the spark that kept the fire going all season especially in the semis'. Aggressive on the bases and showed power and speed turning singles into doubles and doubles into triples. He brought a cannon from the outfield with a great glove and when given the chance on the mound intimidating a lot of hitters with his speed. Jordan Ellett show poise on the mound and was given lots of opportunity. He either hit with power or would fly out or ground out. Struck out three times in the semi's and hits a homerun in the finals.

Any of these guys could have done it on the mound and were very consistant with their bats.
Trev T. = MVP | 4:49 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
The kid is a stud!!! Did you see him in the warm-ups? Showing of his glove and his arm. WOW! Turned it up in the semi's. First inning he robbed WR by stealing both 2nd and 3rd showing no fear. In the second inning he hit a shot down the 3rd base line that got in the corner as he again FLEW around the bases for a triple. His aggressive style and speed along with his power really showed in the three playoff games. MVP means Most Valuable Player. Brought his team up and made everyone better. That's Trevor in a nut shell. When he did well, the team did well. Definately could play at the next level.

Good Luck choosing MVP from this group of kids. At times many of them showed leadership and had great games. There should be five on the All State team for sure. The sad part is someone may not get in.
Is the team really dying? | 5:10 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
Sounds like they will be in pretty bad shape next year. Is there anyone who can pick up the slack? Juniors or Sophomores? I thought there was another Ellett that was amazing. Too bad. The streak is amazing and it would be great if they could keep it going. Oh well. Big shoes to fill. I guess Wayne will be back to an average team and the other teams can compete. I hope the other players will take the challenge and fill some of the holes these guys leave and at least be competative. I would hate to see them fall out of contention with that kind of streak.
Wayne Baseball | 6:23 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
Hey, just wanted to thank everyone for another great season! I will NEVER forget these great times! I have been playing with the same group of kids for over 6 years now and I couldn't ask for better teammates and friends. I guess I should thank the amazing parents for that. All of our fans have been AWESOME! I love all of our coaches, but maybe that's just becuase I happen to be related to most of them haha. I wish everyone the best and hope "Badger Baseball" continues to be succesful. Jordan, Lance, Tyce, Trev, and Marcus... I LOVE YOU GUYS! Way to go out on top boys.

Our competition this year has been amazing! Nothing but respect and class from every team! Thanks for that.

P.S. You younger guys need to keep your heads up and believe you can go out and win a 4th, don't settle for anything less! It's incredible what can happen with some hard work and dedication! Leave it all on the field boys, you have the talent to do awesome things. (and it wouldn't hurt to hit the weights this winter) :)

Thanks again, Carson Bray.
Anonymous | 8:57 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
The second best batting average on Wayne's team was from Dallon Chappell, a junior, in a good sample size. Colin Anderson will be a three year starter next year. Randy Ellett is Jordan's little brother and yes, he is very good. Brennan Rees is a sophomore and played in about 80% of the innings this year. Cason Chappell played a bunch. There are a couple others who played a bit that will be back and there will be others who step up, maybe a few surprises too.

The JV team didn't lose a game this year and Wayne will be very competitive in 2009.
Stats | 9:18 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
It looks like it will be between three guys. This isn't Scott, btw. Here they are:

Taylor: .506 BA/.542 OBP/.818 SLG, 39 H, 13 XBH, 16 SB, 38 R, 33 RBI PITCHING: 18 IP, 3 W, 26 K, 3.5 ERA, 1.11 WHIP

Bray: .589 BA/.645 OBP/1.164 SLG, 43 H, 23 XBH, 17 BB, 47 R, 37 RBI PITCHING: 21 IP, 3 W, 38 K, 2.14 ERA, 1.00 WHIP

Ellett: .447 BA/.482 OBP/1.013 SLG, 34 H, 21 XBH, 10 HR, 37 R, 43 RBI PITCHING: 32 IP, 12 W, 65 K, 1.41 ERA, .88 WHIP

All the above three were outstanding defensively, you can't differentiate there. Taylor could do things in some ways the others couldn't and vice versa. Ellett was the best pitcher and that's why he had more opportunities. The coaching staff trusted him the most and he was used. He also pitched extremely well this summer against 3A and 4A teams.

Whatever happens, I hope Wayne folks won't play favorites and fight over what is a ceremonial award. If it could be given to all three of these guys or the whole senior class...great.
Coach Wadsworth | 9:29 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
Congratulations to Wayne for your 3rd consecutive championship. I enjoyed watching your fundamental players and team confidence in each other.
2009 | 10:23 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
Wayne has 5 players back next year that were big contributors this year. Dallon Chappell, Jr. first base, was steady all year defensively and hit consistantly. Randy Ellett, freshman, is in the mold of his older brother , Jordan. He's got great ability. If he works as hard as his brother, he'll be outstanding. Collin Anderson,Jr, has a great pitching arm and hits with power. Could have been a starting pitcher for most 1A teams this year. Brennon Rees, Soph, great young player. Started at 3rd most of the year. Cason Chappell, Jr, good outfielder, bat up an down. Has power. Expected to be a key player next year.

There are several sophomores showing promise as well as freshman that could contribute next year. Obviously, the talent level will be much less, but they will be fundamentally sound. Their defense will keep them in the hunt. If their bats come around - could compete for a fourth. Depends on how hard they work in the off season. Wayne Observer.

What about the other 1A teams for next year?
Stats (contd.) | 9:12 a.m. Oct. 14, 2008
Petersons were also very solid, both hit in the upper .400s. Both are very solid in every aspect of the game, great all around players. Tyce actually led the team in ERA with 1 ER in 17 IP. He'll be a four-time first team all-stater, not many players in the state's history can say that. Lance was last year's MVP and very deserving. Great player. Great person. These two have had outstanding careers and were ready to play high school baseball from the get-go.
Lance Peterson | 10:04 a.m. Oct. 14, 2008
Hey I just wanted to congratulate everyone on a good season. There were some good times and good stories. Awesome job Green River! You guys have a great team and Brennan you are simply a stud. Nice job. Also Valley did awesome this year. It was fun to see them win a lot of games and have Paul pitch so well. Panguitch and West Ridge did thier programs proud. I was extremely impressed with the way West Ridge played in the semi-finals. They never quit, even when they got down in the beginning.

Thanks to all the great coaches that i have had and for their influence on me. The things you have taught me not only about baseball but also about life will stick with me forever.

Last of all thanks to my fellow teammates for the wonderful ride that I have been a part of. It is amazing to play with such great guys and to accomplish the things we did. I will never forget the memories fellas. And to my younger teammates, you guys stick with it. There is no reason we shouldnt win 5 in a row!!!!

Go Badgers!!!!
Wayne Fan | 12:51 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008
Thank you so much to you seniors, you have no idea what you've done and how much it means to so many people. You are all MVP's to me. Remember what it means to be teammates and friends. You'll always have that. Lance, Tyce, Carson, Jordan, Marcus, Trevor...you are the best. Thanks again for everything.
WR Fan | 3:00 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008
Re: Stats

First of all congrats Wayne! You are doing amazing things for 1a baseball.

And as for the stats....
Looking at those numbers you would have to pick Bray right? Those numbers are insane and far above the next guy! His defense is just as good if not better than his offense is what makes him so dangerous. And he was throwing some heat in that state tourney! He took advantage of the few innings he got. Did anyone touch the ball? Not to mention he just carries himself like a leader of that team.

It looked like him and Taylor were the only two players on the field that kept there cool in the late innings when I thought we had a chance to make it a game in the semis. It might be a hard choice down there in Wayne conty, but I have my MVP vote locked.
PHS Player | 4:05 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008
I would have to echo the WR player. Bray was solid all year. We got to play against him 5 times this year (more than any other team) and he was a rock. He can play any position and is a solid glove every where. He hit a ball out at our place that I think went over both fenses in right field. Great poise in the semi's and he can bring it on the mound.

Taylor was the emotional spark Wayne needed in the semi's. The team looked really tense at first, but he made some amazing catches and it seemed to spark the whole team. Against us he was showing his cannon in warm-ups and that was awesome. It's hard to match his intensity too. He is a fireball! Great on the bases always looking to get another base. He almost pulled off a triple at our place on a hit that most guys would have had a single. It's fun to watch this guy play anything.

I would probably give Co-MVP to Bray and Taylor. That would be the easiest way to settle it.
MVP | 6:23 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008
Agreed. Bray or Taylor. Probably Bray.
wait a second... | 9:17 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008
is this the same carson bray thats from heber? lol is it really? it has to be, what up man? you and your cousin could have stayed up here to play you know
Re: MVP | 11:47 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008
Agreed. Bray or Taylor. Probably Taylor
my vot for | 7:11 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Bray, definitely. I would have said that before seeing the numbers.

One question- why doesn't he play a winter sport?
Re: my vote for | 9:52 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
He has been wrestling.
Re: wait a second... | 11:22 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Yes i'm the same one haha. Who is this?
SSHS Wayne Fan | 6:33 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Hey all you senior boys! i wanted to tell you congradulations on your third state title! Ever since 8th grade i knew you guys would be champs forever!! You guys are some of the best guy friends i've ever had. You know you are amazing but you don't boast about it and you have dignity in yourselves and your team! You boys have always been so sincere and nice and treat people with respect no matter what! I'll miss watching you boys but the memories we've had will last forever! Congrats again!!! :)
#1 Wayne Fan | 10:08 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008
I don't understand why no one is not recongizing Tyce P.? In my opinion Tyce is one of the most VERSITILE players on the team defensivily. Too bad defense doesn't get as much reconigtion as offense, because he can play any position extremely well. And by the way he is solid on the offensive side also. Please give Tito the Love he deserves. Congrats WAYNE BADGRERS ON A GREAT RUN,PRETTY IMPRESSIVE.

P.S.TO ALL YOU DOUBTERS, WAYNE WILL BE THERE AGAIN NEXT YEAR!!!!!
Sorry | 12:23 a.m. Oct. 19, 2008
Unfortunately for Tyce, there is a handful of other players on that team that can play multiple postions very effectively. Great season regardless.
Anonymous | 3:39 p.m. Oct. 20, 2008
When do the All-State teams come out?
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Wayne High School baseball players celebrate after a home run by Jordan Ellett during the Badgers' 17-4 win over Panguitch for the 1A state championship at Bruce Hurst Field in St. George Saturday. It was the Badgers' 51st consecutive win overall. (Garrett Davis, Daily News)
Garrett Davis, Daily News
Wayne High School baseball players celebrate after a home run by Jordan Ellett during the Badgers' 17-4 win over Panguitch for the 1A state championship at Bruce Hurst Field in St. George Saturday. It was the Badgers' 51st consecutive win overall.