Lakeland seniors win district championship

The Lakeland Seniors League team after their district championship winning game in Oak Creek Friday.

The Lakeland Little League Seniors League team won the District 6 championship Friday in Oak Creek. They defeated Franklin 13-3.

Lakeland now goes on to the state tournament in Verona starting Thursday, July 30 to compete for the state championship.

Team members (as shown in the above photo) are: (front row) Anthony Anichini, Mike Sorenson, (middle row) Tyler Schoenke, Sam Shelton, Luke Podella, Tommy Neave, Jason Gackowski, Nick Beyers, (back row) Dalton Sjong, Corey Muhlenbeck and Sean Flahive.

Coaches are Mario Anichini and Jeff Neave.

This is largely the same team that went to the state tournament as a junior league team last year, said Coach Anichini. Many of them have been playing together since they were 8 years old and the camaraderie comes through on the field.

“They want to play well for each other,” Coach Anichini said.

The team’s accomplishments are all the more remarkable this year since all but two team member are 15 year olds in a league that has 15 and 16 year olds.

“We’re excited to death to be going to state,” Neave said.

Both coaches said they are also proud not only of the team’s accomplishments on the diamond but also that the players are “all excellent citizens.”

And when it comes to the state tournament, expectations are high, Neave said.

“It was nice going to state last year,” Neave said. “This year, we want to win state.”