Semoball

Second-generation Lady Hawks bring a winning pedigree

Former Kelly softball player Julie Riley and current Kelly softball player Blaire Riley stand for a photo. (Submitted)

SIKESTON — For some players on the Kelly softball team, winning is just in their blood.

Nearly every member of the team has a family member who has played for the program, but three current players’ mothers played for the Lady Hawks’ 1997 State Championship team.

“I honestly feel like it wasn’t that long ago that I was out there playing,” said Julie Riley, the mother of Blaire Riley. “Now, watching Blaire play is so much fun. She has come around in her hitting and she’s trying different fielding positions that have taken her out of her comfort zone. She has a great personality and attitude on and off the field, along with the other girls, and that’s what has led this team to success. They’re all having a good time and that will take them far.”

Former Kelly pitcher Kim Burger stands with current Kelly pitcher Macy Burger. (Submitted)

Riley, still just a sophomore, has batted .347 with 24 total hits, both are the second most on the team. She leads the team in doubles (10) and RBIs (22).

However, Julie isn’t the only member of the Riley household to reach the mountaintop at the high school level. Michael Riley, Blaire’s father, was a state champion in cross country while attending Kelly.

“I’ve always been aware of their accomplishments but I didn’t understand the significance until I got to high school,” Blaire Riley said. “It changed my perspective on the work it takes to try to get to that level. It holds me to very high standards. They push me hard athletically and academically and I hear stories about them quite often. It would mean a lot to have our team’s state champion picture up on the wall next to my parents’ state championship pictures.”

Kim Burger, the mother of Macy Burger, was the winning pitcher in the state title game back in 1997.

“The whole community was supporting us,” Kim Burger said. “We had a big school assembly before leaving. The gym was packed with maroon and gold. The bus was decorated and we had a police escort to the interstate. The whole team was pumped and ready to bring home a championship title. I remember our whole team singing and chanting to get pumped up before the game. The game was broadcast on the radio and my uncle, Mike Riley, was the announcer. We had a big cheering section with lots of fans and those who couldn’t make it, were listening to it on the radio.

“I remember all my teammates rushing to the mound once the final out of the game was made,” she continued. “We were hugging, smiling and crying. So many emotions. It was a dream come true for all of us. My dad said if we won he’d do cartwheels on the field and he kept his word. He did cartwheels on the field. The whole team rode the bus home together. We were pumped the whole way home. When we returned home, the community was waiting with banners and the parking lot was full. Everyone was honking and cheering. It was such an exciting time and something I’ll never forget.”

Macy Burger has been one of the team’s top pitchers this season, throwing 67.2 innings with a 9-3 record this season. The junior currently has 25 strikeouts and just a 2.379 ERA.

“Watching my daughter follow in my footsteps, brings back so many memories,” Kim Burger said. “I’m very glad she gets to be part of the Hawk Nation and feel all the love and support from the whole community. Kelly has always had a very strong softball program. The coaches and the girls are very dedicated and put in many hours of practice. I’m hoping they bring home a win Thursday and continue to state. I’d love to see another state championship picture hanging in the gym at Kelly and it would mean so much if these girls were able to share that experience and go all the way.”

Burger has also been solid at the plate this season batting .226 with 12 hits. including four doubles, 11 RBIs and 10 runs scored.

“I always looked up to [my mother] and wanted to win state just like her, but freshmen year when I got the chance to play in the state tournament I realized how hard of an accomplishment that was,” Macy Burger said. “It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and teamwork to win a state title and it would be an honor to follow in my mom’s footsteps. That’s something I dream about.”

Katelyn Dannenmueller is the final player whose mother was a member of the 1997 team.

“I remember holding my breath when the girl hit what was the last out of the game,” Pam Dannenmueller said. “It was a pop fly and when she caught it, I remember throwing my glove and running to the huddle. It was definitely a moment I will never forget. I have always loved the game of softball and have shared that love with Katelyn. She in turn has developed the same love of the game. I would love nothing more than to see her and her team win the state championship. It is something every high school softball player dreams of and this team of young ladies has what it takes to do just that.”

Kelly will be at Eugene (17-12) on Thursday, Oct. 20, in the opening round of the MSHSAA Class 2 State Tournament.

“The Kelly softball program has been so strong for so long that our girls’ hard work tends to get overlooked,” Pam Dannenmueller said. “These girls give everything they have on and off the field, and I love watching Katelyn play the game she and I have shared such a love for. From coaching her, to being her biggest fan on the sideline I am so proud of the player she has become and the accomplishments of her and her teammates.”

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