The Mt. Pulaski baseball team has been hungry to return to the State Championships since its first appearance in 2022. 

This year's team returns most of its experience from last year's team that fell in a 1A Sectional championship. Senior Luke Martin says while they lost two big-time contributors from last year's team, he's confident in the group they have this year to get back to the State finals.

Aaron Volle emerged as a reliable contributor as a sophomore and is looking to be more of a contributor in 2026. He credits Chance Payne and Liam Smith as two players who helped guide him in his first dip into varsity experience.

Senior Eric Cooper believes this might be the most balanced team he's seen in his four seasons at Mt. Pulaski, from freshman through seniors. He is hoping his four years at the varsity level will pay off for him this season.

Coach Troy Burgard is challenging his team early this year with baseball powerhouses in 1A and 2A. He believes those challenging games early will be crucial down the stretch of the season.

Mt. Pulaski travels to Nokomis on Thursday to open the spring baseball season.