State Champion Laramie Rangers Ready for Regional

Excitement surrounds the Laramie Rangers, as they embark on a new experience Friday in Wheatland. After winning the program's first state title since 1986 last weekend in Gillette, the Rangers open play at the Single 'A' Northwest Regional legion baseball tournament against Nampa, Idaho Friday morning.

The Laramie Rangers (35-17-1) rolled through their four games at the state tournament, as they out-scored the opposition, 45-to-4. They've won six straight games going back to the District Tournament two weeks ago.

Laramie manager Rich Wilson said the roll they've been on is what the guys are doing. He said, "I don't have that magic "Staples" button to push and have something happen. You guys did it. You came ready to play. They were ready to hit. They were ready to pitch. They were ready to field. We've just got to do it for another week. Whatever you did, just keep doing it, because that was right."

Now they'll face even better competition, and they know it.

Wilson said, "These are state champions. They didn't get to be state champions by rolling over or going through the motions. We've got to go in there with our best glove; our best bat and go to work."

The opening draw is the state champs from Idaho, the Nampa Braves (36-11-1). They've won their last eight games.

Wilson said, "Yes, they look to be a pretty good team. I think they're all going to be. There programs that have a varsity ahead of the. Call it a varsity or double-A, so they're going to come prepared, have quality players and a quality program."

The players are approaching this with the same motivation they had at the state tournament.

Rangers shortstop Tommy Johnson said, "We're looking to win. We don't want to go there just to have fun. We don't want to go there just to be excited that we're there. We want to play our best."

Laramie will have to do it without starting catcher Alex Jordan. The second team All-State performer was sick last week at the state tournament, and unfortunately things have taken a turn for the worst. Jordan will not make the trip with the team.

The test starts at 9:30 Friday morning, as Laramie plays in the first game of the tournament.

Rangers baseball can be heard on KOWB (AM 1290), online or on your mobile device. Tune in to hear all the action, as Laramie takes on Nampa. The broadcast will begin at 9:10 a.m., Mountain Time. David Settle will call the game from Wheatland.