Bennington Post 266 Goes 5-2 During Busy Week as Program Welcomes New Varsity Baseball Coach

3–4 minutes

By Marisa Dawson

Four baseball players in blue jerseys celebrate at home plate, holding their helmets aloft after a score.
Max Swoboda celebrates a home run with his teammates after coming through home base.

The Bennington Post 266 Seniors put together another strong week on the diamond, finishing 5-2 over seven games while the program also celebrated a significant milestone off the field with the announcement of Bennington’s next varsity baseball coach.

Prior to Bennington’s June 23 matchup against Elkhorn North, Bennington Public Schools announced that assistant coach and Bennington Middle School teacher Collin McClain will take over as the Badgers’ next head baseball coach following the summer season.

McClain said the opportunity is especially meaningful because of the connections he has built within the community over the past six years.

“I am extremely excited to have accepted the head coaching position for Bennington,” McClain said. “I have been a part of the Bennington community for the last 6 years and I have felt embraced since day one. I care deeply about the community and I’m excited to get the opportunity to continue investing in our youth.”

A young baseball player in a blue jersey with 'POST 268' written on it, running towards home plate on a well-maintained baseball field.
Brendon Da Luz

The announcement came during another successful stretch for the Post 266 Seniors, who opened the week with a commanding 17-2 victory over Elkhorn North on June 23 before following it up with a 15-7 road win over Mr. Dell’s Warriors the next evening.

Bennington’s only setback of the first half of the week came June 25, when Franchise Sidekicks Seniors (Skutt Catholic Legion) edged Post 266 by a narrow 2-1 margin.

The team quickly bounced back, shutting out Fremont 8-0 on June 26 before cruising to a 15-0 victory over Invictus Strategies Eagles Seniors 18U on June 27.

After falling 16-1 to the Pat Hagge Patriots on Sunday, Bennington responded once again, closing the week with a 3-1 win over Wolfe Electric/Millard West 18U on Monday.

The strong week continued an impressive summer for Post 266, which has relied on consistent production throughout its lineup.

A young baseball player in a blue jersey swings a bat at a ball during a game, while teammates watch from the dugout in the background.

Connor Smith (pictured above) has led the offense with a .456 batting average while collecting 36 hits, 33 RBIs, 31 runs scored and three home runs. Kellen Mlnarik is batting .446 with 29 hits, 30 RBIs, a team-leading nine doubles and two home runs, while Brendon Da Luz has posted a .377 average with 23 RBIs, 26 runs scored, five doubles, two home runs and six stolen bases.

Braydan Kloster has contributed a .390 batting average with 18 RBIs, while Gabe Nickel is hitting .371 with 26 hits and 26 runs scored. Noah Langford has added 28 RBIs, eight doubles and two home runs, giving Bennington multiple offensive threats throughout the lineup.

A young baseball pitcher in a blue jersey and cap throws a ball from the pitcher's mound during a game, with a blurred background of trees and a baseball field.

The pitching staff has been equally impressive. Brandt Schmidt (pictured above) owns a 3-0 record with a 1.07 ERA and 26 strikeouts over 19⅔ innings. Max Swoboda has logged a team-high 28 innings while posting a 2.00 ERA, Brody Lichty has struck out 33 batters in 23⅔ innings with a 2.36 ERA, and Dominic Mendicino remains unbeaten at 4-0 with a 2.88 ERA.

As McClain prepares to take over the varsity program after the legion season concludes, he said his focus extends beyond victories on the scoreboard.

While he hopes Bennington continues competing for championships, McClain said he also wants players to leave the program as better people than when they arrived, adding that he hopes to “create a culture that represents Bennington the right way, and that the school and community can be proud of.”

A baseball catcher in a blue uniform stands ready to receive a pitch, while a batter in white prepares to swing. The scene is set on a dirt baseball field, with players in the background.
Kellen Mlnarik

McClain also credited current head coach Scott Heese for helping prepare him for the opportunity.

“Coach Scott Heese has taught me a lot about not just baseball, but a lot about the behind the scenes stuff that no one really sees,” McClain said. “I appreciate him a whole lot, and he’s been a great mentor for me.”

Growing up in nearby Blair, McClain said baseball has shaped his life since childhood and continues to provide lessons that extend well beyond the game.

“I love the game of baseball because it teaches you so many lessons about life,” he said. “Sometimes you can do everything right in this game, and the outcome still doesn’t go in your favor. That’s life.”

With Post 266 continuing to rack up wins this summer and a familiar face set to guide the high school program into its next chapter, Bennington baseball appears well-positioned for continued success both this season and beyond.

A young baseball player in blue attire swings a bat at a pitch, with spectators in the background watching from the dugout.
A baseball player in a blue jersey with 'Post 26' and the number 15 running along the base path, with another player in a blue shirt walking behind him.
A young baseball player in a blue jersey and white pants is making a throw from the infield during a game, with baseball fields and advertisements in the background.
A young baseball player in a blue jersey with 'POST 22' printed on it, throwing a baseball on an infield during a game.
A young baseball pitcher in a blue jersey with the number 14 and 'POST 266' on it, in the midst of a throwing motion on a baseball field.
A baseball player in a blue jersey attempts to tag out a player in black who is sliding into base during a game.
A baseball scene featuring a catcher in blue gear, an umpire in black, and a batter preparing to hit the ball. Players in the background are positioned on the field.
A baseball player in a blue uniform fields a ground ball on a diamond during a game.
A young baseball player standing in a batting stance, preparing to hit a pitch, with a team of players in the background watching from the dugout.
A young baseball player in a blue jersey and white pants stands at home plate ready to bat, with teammates in the dugout in the background.
A baseball player sliding into base while being tagged by a defensive player, with two other players in the background and a scoreboard in the distance.
A young baseball player in blue uniform is preparing to hit a pitch during a game, while a catcher crouches behind home plate and teammates watch from the dugout in the background.
A youth baseball player swings a bat at home plate while a catcher crouches nearby. In the background, teammates watch from the dugout.
A young baseball player swings a bat during a game, with players in the dugout watching in the background.
A baseball player in a blue jersey swings a bat at the baseball field, while teammates watch from the dugout in the background.
A baseball player in a blue jersey swings at a pitch while a catcher prepares to receive the ball. Teammates watch from the dugout in the background.
A young baseball player in a blue jersey swings a bat while batting in a game, with a coach visible in the background.
A young baseball player swings a bat during a game, while a catcher prepares to receive a pitch. In the background, teammates watch from the dugout.
A baseball player in a blue jersey prepares to hit a pitched ball while another player crouches behind home plate. In the background, a group of teammates observes the play from the dugout.
A young baseball player wearing a blue jersey and white pants is in a pitching motion, preparing to throw a baseball on a grassy field.

Discover more from Bennington Buzz

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Trending