The Canute Trojans won their first Spring Baseball State Championship under the leadership of Coach Bobby Blackburn. The Trojans were ranked #2 throughout the spring season and were 9-2 against state qualifying teams from five different classes.
In the quarter finals, Canute faced #7 Cameron defeating them 2-0 in a pitcher’s duel. Junior lefty, Jake Beutler struck out thirteen, walked three and gave up two hits. Beutler was three for four at the plate along with Junior Teague Farris who was three for three with an RBI, and Sophomore Trayton Hines had a sacrifice RBI.
During the semi-final game, Canute ran up against #6 Pioneer. Teague Farris picked up the victory with seven strikeouts, three walks and four hits. Junior Clay Randall closed out the game in the eighth inning striking out two, walking two and allowing one hit. Offensively, Jake Beutler lead the way with a single, triple and home run while delivering three RBIs. Teague Farris added a single, double and an RBI. Junior Nate Bryant contributed a single and a double. Clay Randall also contributed with two singles. The Trojans won 6-2 in eight innings.
The championship set up a match-up between Canute and #4 Shattuck. Clay Randall picked up the victory on the hill striking out five, walking two, and scattering ten hits while allowing just one earned run. At the plate, Junior Luke Spitz lead the way going 2-2 with 2 BB and 2 RBIs. Nate Bryant added two hits, Jake Beutler two hits and an RBI, Teague Farris a sacrifice RBI, Junior Jake Knutson a sacrifice RBI and drew two walks. Freshman Boston Baker singled. Trayton Hines singled and Senior Brance Simpson had a single and a walk.
Pitching and defense were key in the Trojans’ run throughout the playoffs. In six playoff games, they gave up only 5 runs while scoring 49 runs. The defense was lead by Shortstop Jake Knutson with each player contributing along the way.
Rounding out the team were assistant JJ Williams, senior Jack Thomas, sophomore Dillon Lucas and sophomore Casen Smith.
The Canute Trojans finished the 2025 Spring season Class A-II State Champions with a 24-4 record.