In 1994, eighth grader Matt Menninga and Pella Christian won the school’s only State Baseball title.
That year, Matt and the Eagles defeated East Marshall 4-2 in the opening round of the four-team tournament before taking down Iowa City Regina 9-8 to claim the championship.
Left to right back row…Assistant Coach Jason Bandstra, Russ Van Wyk, Kory DeHaan, Jason McDaniel, Dustin Kraft, Marc Menninga, Doug Uitermarkt, Head Coach Todd Zylstra.
Left to right front row…Jeremy McDaniel, Tim Roose, Scott Renaud, Brad Rolffs, Jason Arkema, Joel Van Soelen, Mike Bandstra, Matt Menninga
Fast forward 29 years, now assistant coach Matt and his son Eliot are a part of the Eagles first State Tournament qualifying team since that State Title winning season. Matt said that it was a rewarding feeling getting to watch his son and his teammates experience the same joy that he felt back when he was suiting up for the Eagles.
“I’ve coached Eliot ever since he was young and several other kids on the team as well. Just watching them progress and to get better and better and work hard and everything that they do, everything comes full circle for you as a baseball player myself, now coach, and father. It’s just great to see the progress and the end result here.”
Eliot added that getting to celebrate the end of the 29-year State Tournament drought with his father was special.
“I hugged him like right away. He was one of the first people I hugged, and it was just awesome. Great moment.”
Hear more from Matt and Eliot Menninga on Today’s Radio Sports Page.