By Mike Ramczyk
On June 20 and June 21 at Ginger Beaumont Field, Southern Lakes Newspapers Sports Editor Mike Ramczyk caught up with the Burlington Demons, who are fresh off winning the school’s first state baseball championship.
Burlington overcame a 4-0 deficit with six runs in the final two innings June 16 at Fox Cities Stadium to beat Arrowhead, 6-4, and claim the WIAA Division 1 state title.
The Demons finished the season 25-5.
Here are the exclusive interviews.
Please buy this week’s Burlington Standard Press, at all area newsstands, for a special commemorative section the Demons.
Stop by the Standard Press office, 209 N. Dodge St., Burlington, call 262-763-3330 to subscribe or pick up copies or simply visit any area business for the six-page salute to the historic team.
Meet the Demons
Scott Staude, head coach
Baseball is: a microcosm of life.
We won state because: we are resilient, talented and fortunate. We weren’t going to accept anything less than a state title.
Favorite movie: “Caddyshack”
Favorite song: “You Never Call Me By My Name,” David Allan Coe
Pregame ritual: I prepare as a coach like I did as a player.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Joe Torre, he wasn’t always successful, but he went to New York and was the glue that brought everyone together.
Bryan Sturdevant, second base
Baseball is: everything.
We won state because: team chemistry. Everyone loved pushing to get better.
Favorite movie: “Glory Road”
Favorite song: “Lights Come On,” Jason Aldean
Pregame ritual: I’m the only one that’s not superstitious.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? The great LeBron James, he’s the best winner of all time.
Derek Morrow, pinch runner, outfielder
Baseball is: a family thing.
We won state because: dedication. We never gave up.
Favorite movie: “Remember The Titans”
Favorite song: “My Time,” Fabolous
Pregame ritual: I talk to my grandpa in heaven.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Will Ferrell, it’d be a great time. I wouldn’t stop laughing.
Houston Cowan, pitcher/outfield
Baseball is: about the team. That’s why we excelled this year.
We won state because: team chemistry. Anyone would’ve sacrificed whatever it took.
Favorite movie: “Good Will Hunting”
Favorite song: “Somewhere on a Beach,” Dierks Bentley
Pregame ritual: I run about four poles before the game.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? George W. Bush, I think he’s such an interesting person. He’s an alumnus of where I’m going (Yale University).
Aaron Mutter, outfield/pitcher
Baseball is: amazing.
We won state because: we never give up.
Favorite movie: “Blind Side”
Favorite song: “P.Y.T.”, Wale
Pregame ritual: Playing catch with Tanner Strommen, always need to throw at least 20 knuckleballs
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Jackie Robinson, just to hear all his experiences.
Cal Tully, shortstop
Baseball is: America’s pasttime.
We won state because: we’re a tight-knit group.
Favorite movie: “Dumb & Dumber”
Favorite song: “Church Clap,” Lecrae, we all sang it together on the bus before state
Pregame ritual: double-knotting my ankle brace
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Aaron Rodgers, he’s my favorite Packer and seems like an easy guy to talk to.
Aaron Sturdevant, catcher
Baseball is: really fun, especially with our guys.
We won state because: we were on a mission.
Favorite movie: “Neighbors”
Favorite song: “Really Really,” Kevin Gates
Pregame ritual: After games on Tuesdays, we went to Los Compadres for Taco Tuesdays.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? My dad Dave, I know we’re going to get some good Flippy’s.
Tanner Strommen, outfield
Baseball is: the best sport.
We won state because: of our outstanding coaching, team chemistry, talent and hard work.
Favorite movie: “Miracle”
Favorite song: “T-shirt,” Thomas Rhett
Pregame ritual: We stretch and throw in the same pattern. We have to throw knuckleballs.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Derek Jeter, he’s always been my idol.
Dale Damon, third baseman
Baseball is: addicting.
We won state because: of our resilience.
Favorite movie: “Naked Gun”
Favorite song: “Die a Happy Man,” Thomas Rhett
Pregame ritual: I have to play catch with Derek Koenen. It’s what we did, and it worked.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Bo Jackson, he’s a freak athlete.
Zach Campbell, outfield
Baseball is: my life.
We won state because: we’ve been playing together since we were 8 years old.
Favorite movie: “Moneyball”
Favorite song: “Noise,” Kenny Chesney
Pregame ritual: Throwing a touchdown pass with a baseball to Grant Tully.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Mickey Mantle, I loved the way he played, and he was a baseball legend.
Jacob Lindemann, pitcher
Baseball is: a game.
We won state because: team chemistry.
Favorite movie: “Trouble With the Curve”
Favorite song: “Church Clap”
Pregame ritual: When I pitch, I focus on the glove. I visualize being on the mound.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Nolan Ryan, he’s a great pitcher.
Grant Tully, outfield
Baseball is: a crazy sport.
We won state because: we had great team chemistry, and we believed in every guy.
Favorite movie: “Old School”
Favorite song: “Famous,” Kanye West
Pregame ritual: Zach throws touchdown passes to me. We’re getting ready for the game, and we’re thinking about football.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Stephen Curry, he’s doing crazy stuff right now. I want to know how he shoots like that.
Derek Koenen, outfield
Baseball is: great.
We won state because: we were determined.
Favorite movie: “The Martian”
Favorite song: “No Problem,” Chance the Rapper
Pregame ritual: I play catch in practice and games with Dale.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Babe Ruth, he had so many years, I just want to know more.
Sean Safar, outfield
Baseball is: exciting.
We won state because: we earned it.
Favorite movie: “Ironman”
Favorite song: “She Knows,” J. Cole
Pregame ritual: I chew gum, it gets me focused.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Bob Marley
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