Sports

Over the course of the 2019 season, the Montezuma-Cortez High School baseball team won 10 of its 21 games and qualified for the Class 3A Regional Baseball Tournament for the first time since 2017.

While numerous individuals played a role in the Panthers’ success, none were as important as Clayton Yoder, Ryan Medina, Travis Beeson and Korie Likes, who were named to the Intermountain League all-conference team following a vote by league coaches.

Clayton Yoder, first teamChief among the M-CHS players to receive all-conference recognition was senior Clayton Yoder, who emerged as one of his team’s top players in his final high school season and received first team all-conference honors.

A stalwart on the mound who consistently faced the Intermountain League’s top teams, Yoder finished the season with a 3-2 record and a 4.90 ERA. The senior, who consistently flashed the ability to get big outs in key situations, struck out 45 batters on the season.

Yoder also played a significant role in the team’s offense as the senior batted .310 on the season, scored 14 runs and registered 10 RBIs.

“Clayton’s focus and determination this year was amazing,” M-CHS manager Tim Passell said. “He wanted the ball and took on the best team in the state without fear.”

Ryan Medina, first team

Also making the most of his final season of high school baseball was senior first baseman Ryan Medina, who established himself as M-CHS’ top hitter during a season that concluded with him receiving first team all-conference honors.

A leader in the clubhouse, Medina batted .377 on the season, drove in a team-best 17 RBIs and slugged a team-best eight doubles.

Medina also appeared pitched in five games on the season and finished the year with an 0-1 record and a 1.75 ERA.

“Ryan is a great baseball player,” Passell said. “He cares so much about helping his team win, and he had a great year at the plate.”

Travis Beeson, second team

Known for his fiery personality and competitive spirit, junior catcher Travis Beeson caught the attention of not only his teammates, but Intermountain League coaches, who voted him second team all-conference.

While managing M-CHS’ pitching staff and providing stellar defense behind the plate, Beeson batted .333 on the season, slugged three doubles and drove in four runs. The junior also scored eight runs on the season.

Korie Likes, second teamAmong the team’s most consistent and clutch hitters, sophomore Korie Likes established himself as one of the Intermountain League’s top young players over the course of a season that ended with him receiving second team all-conference honors.

Known for his quick hands and textbook swing, Likes finished the year with a .362 batting average and finished second on the team with 17 RBIs. The sophomore also came through with three doubles and one home run on the season.