08/05/2026
I have not waited for this post because I'm upset, mad or any other negative emotion. The truth is, it is really difficult when any season ends. But here are some of my final thoughts on the 2026 Mavs season.
- First, kudos to Belgrade. We knew what we were getting into with them in the championship game, and they were exactly what we expected. They hit the ball, took advantage of our mistakes, and did not make many mistakes of their own. Coach Johnerson has a fantastic program, one of the programs we wish to emulate.
- As far as our guys, I could not be prouder of them. For 4 days, the rest of the state got to see the Mavs team that we knew we could be. I know I said it a lot, but it was the poise and composure of our guys that led them to the state championship game.
- At no point did I think that we were in over our heads or the moment was too big for our guys. This is a lot of the reason why we schedule such a difficult schedule, to prepare. The guys bought into that philosophy and it paid off.
- One of the things we can hang our hat on is that we were not gifted a berth in the championship game. We beat the Northern A champions (twice), the Eastern A champions and the Southern A and eventual State A champions. In a four-day stretch, we had wins over the 1st, 3rd and 4th place finishers. Not a bad run.
- Another thing, we won as many games at this years State Tournament than the Mavs have won in the last 29 years combined.
- I thought Dillon as a program and a community did a wonderful job of hosting the State Tournament.
- More than anything, I am going to miss being around these guys on a daily basis. Some are going off to school, some are going off to work, and some will be returning next year. I will miss them all, and look forward to seeing how they continue to mature.
- And that leads me to my proudest thing, the young men that these guys are. Baseball is one thing, but all of these guys are going to be husbands, fathers, employees, employers, and members of society. And they are all going to be great at whatever they do. I'm proud of them as players, but more proud of them as young men.
- On a personal note, I have been overwhelmed by the messages I have received from coaches around the state and region. By no means have I "turned the program around," I was basically gifted a state tournament level program. But there are a lot of coaches and programs that I admire, and to read the compliments about our team has made my week.
- As I said at the beginning, it is always tough when a season comes to an end and it is going to be tough to replace the guys we're losing. But I know the younger guys are certainly ready for the challenge.
- Coach Samuelson
