Senior Colton Duerling aided Kennedy in winning their first baseball state championship title since 2010. Kennedy’s baseball team played West Des Moines Dowling in the Class 4A state championship on July 26, 2024 where they emerged victorious with a score of 7-3. During this game.
During the championship game, Duerling was the starting pitcher throughout the entire game.
“He was tasked with pitching against West Des Moines Dowling and All State-Texas Christian University commit, Trevor Baumler, in the state championship game,” said baseball coach Bret Hoyer. “Baumler had not given up a run in over five weeks—earned or unearned, Colton was more than up to the challenge, pitching a complete game while holding Dowling to three runs.”
Duerling’s hard work during the baseball season paid off, making him a standout player. His performance at state earned him the baseball MVP award for the championship game as well as super team all-state recognition.
“My biggest accomplishment was earning superteam all-state recognition and also being the MVP of the state championship,” Duerling said.
Throughout Duerling’s four years on Kennedy’s baseball team, one of his favorite parts was the electric energy from the crowds on the field. Specifically during the state game, as it took place in close proximity to Kennedy, Duerling mentions all the support from fans that heightened the experience further.
“The win at state was awesome, it made it even better that we could do it in Cedar Rapids,” Duerling said. “With it only being 10 minutes from Kennedy, the atmosphere was amazing and it was awesome to see a ton of fans there.”
Another of Duerling’s favorite memories on the baseball team includes spending time with his teammates.
“I will definitely miss the long bus rides with the team for away games. Showing up for my teammates makes being on the team really special,” Duerling said.
Duerling shows a strong work ethic while on the team and sets a positive example for what a Kennedy baseball player should be.
“He is humble and hungry; he respects the game; he leads by example. He does what is expected of a JFK baseball player,” said Hoyer.
After his final season this summer, Duerling plans to continue his baseball career starting at Kirkwood Community College, which he committed to on Sept. 23, 2024. After spending two years there, Duerling plans to continue playing baseball further, where is yet to be determined.
“He is tasked with leaving the program in better shape than he found it,” Hoyer said. “Now he needs to not only lead by his actions, he must use his voice to help direct younger players in how to conduct themselves as representatives of JFK baseball.”
Monday July 7, 2025 will be Duerling’s last in season game. This game will determine sub-state standings.
