Mercyhurst Prep held a state championship sendoff for the baseball team Wednesday as it departed for State College.
“It means a lot,” said senior Jack Stoker. “We have worked all season — blood, sweat and tears — and it just means a lot. We have put in the work. It has never been done before in Erie County, so we really want to get that for them.”
Students, family members and alumni lined the hallways, cheering on the team as it made its way through the school. A pep rally was held in the school auditorium as players and coaches thanked the Laker community for its support throughout the season.
Following the pep rally, the players and coaches participated in a short Mass before leaving for State College with a police and fire escort.
The Lakers will play Southern Columbia on Thursday morning at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on the campus of Penn State University. The PIAA Class 2A state championship game is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
Mercyhurst Prep is just the second team to represent Erie County in a state baseball final. With a victory Thursday, the Lakers would become the first Erie County team to win a state baseball championship.
“It’s on our mind. It’s not our main focus,” said senior Noah Reigel. “Our main focus is to win the game. That’s obviously something that comes after it. We still have to go out and play seven innings, get 21 outs and then, once we win the game, that will kick in.”
Mercyhurst Prep enters the state championship with a 22-2 record.