The Missouri Baseball Class 4 State Champions celebrated their historic season and accomplishments at their team banquet this week. The Chillicothe Hornets went 23-12 on the season and defeated Logan-Rogersville in the state title game 9-7 to claim the first state championship in Chillicothe baseball program history. Several Hornets players and coaches were recognized with honors earned throughout the season.
Chillicothe finished tied for 2nd in the Midland Empire Conference at 5-2 along with Benton, while St Pius won the conference at 6-1. Senior pitcher Koby Wagers was named to the first team all-MEC. Junior pitcher Noah Rinehart was 2nd team all-conference. MEC honorable mentions featured infielders Hubby Ralls, Howie Donoho, and Dane Ireland, plus catcher Sammy Rodenberg, along with outfielders Cooper Robinson and Jack Marshall. Head Coach Troy Figg was the MEC Coach of the Year.
In the class 4 district 16 tournament, the Hornets had wins over Lafayette in the semifinals followed by an 11-1 win over Savannah in the district championship. Koby Wagers, Noah Rinehart, Howie Donoho, Dane Ireland and Cooper Robinson were named to the all-district team for Chillicothe.
The Hornets then went on a run through the state tournament by beating Benton, Pleasant Hill, Father Tolton and Logan-Rogersville to lift the state trophy. Chillicothe landed a trio of players on the Class 4 all-state teams. Koby Wagers was first team pitcher, Howie Donoho first team infielder and Noah Rinehart 2nd team pitcher.
