MINNEAPOLIS, MN (Northwestiowanow) — The Iowa Lakes Community College Lakers baseball team is back on the field, picking up two wins in their first games since a fatal bus crash last month.

The Lakers returned to action Friday, March 13, playing a doubleheader against the Minnesota North College Mesabi Range Norsemen at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.Iowa Lakes took control early, earning a 16–4 win in the opening game before closing out the day with a 9–1 victory in game two.

KICD News spoke with Iowa Lakes baseball head coach Chris Witzke during practice ahead of the matchup. He says despite the tragedy, the team has remained united and focused.

 

 

Several members of the team say returning to the field was especially meaningful, as they played in memory of teammate, 19-year-old Carter “Tater” Johnson, who lost his life in a fatal bus crash on Wednesday, February 11.

 

 

The Lakers will continue their season carrying Johnson’s memory with them as they move forward.