CORTEZ – If there were any doubts about the Panthers preparedness for the postseason, their body of work over the past four weeks should speak for itself.
M-CHS (18-5, 8-0 3A IML) put the finishing touches on the regular season with an 11-game winning streak, eight of which came via the mercy rule, including a celebratory 10-0 and 18-3 Senior Day sweep of Centauri on Saturday to cap off a perfect Intermountain League run. In the process, the Panthers honored their six members of the Class of ’26 in style, with all half-dozen continuing to provide the contributions that have made M-CHS such a tough customer this year.
Second-year head coach Jake Huff lauded his team’s resilience through a slow start to the season, and the Panthers are humming into the playoffs as one of the projected top seeds and regional hosts in the 3A classification. M-CHS awaits their official playoff assignment after the regular season concludes on Tuesday, but their vision is clear – make another trip to Greeley.
“These boys have been through a lot together, and that’s allowed them to create a goal of where they want to be,” said Huff, “and winning the league is one step toward that.”
Two days after overwhelming Bayfield to the tune of a 22-0, 20-0 sweep of the Wolverines, M-CHS didn’t miss a beat against the visiting Falcons on Saturday. Junior Michael Krupa headlined the offensive production in game one, pushing across four runs on his co-team-high three hits. Senior Cory Carver also continued his second-half tear – the Falcons failed to retire the Panthers shortstop in his seven plate appearances between the two contests.
Seniors Bodie Stiegelmeyer and Parker Conrad ignited the fireworks in game two with a home run apiece, while classmates Jaiden Istenes and Jaris McDonald enjoyed multihit performances as M-CHS batted around in the first inning and scored 11 times to put any drama to rest.
“Our boys played a tough preseason schedule, and we took some on the chin,” said Huff, “but I think it served us well – they’ve worked hard to get better, and it shows.”
Senior Kallan Wirth closed down the final three outs of game two on the mound – combining for a four-inning no-hitter alongside sophomore Zye Kuenzler.
“All of our seniors bring something different to the team,” Huff said. “They’ve gelled well together, and are all going to great things moving forward – in baseball and in life.”
The Panthers look forward to hosting another regional site at McAndrew Field this upcoming weekend, the third such opportunity in the four-year careers of the soon-to-be graduating class.
“We’re excited for these boys; they’ve worked hard and deserve what they’ve earned,” said Huff after the program collected the program’s fourth-straight IML title.
