The Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team returned to the diamond Friday, March 13th, just over a month after a tragic bus crash that claimed the life of one of its players and injured many others.
The Lakers defeated the Minnesota North College Mesabi Range Norsemen 16–5 in the first game of the day. Iowa Lakes followed that performance with a 9–1 victory in the afternoon game.
The games marked the team’s first competition since the February 11th crash that occurred while the team was traveling to Arkansas for a scheduled game.
The accident claimed the life of 19-year-old Carter “Tater” Johnson of Rapid City, South Dakota, a freshman member of the Lakers baseball team. Dozens of others on the bus were injured.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the return to play represented a meaningful step forward for the players, their families, and the Iowa Lakes community.
Penny Dennis, a parent of one of the players, said the moment carried deep emotions for everyone involved.
“They are resilient, and this is what they need to get through this process and heal,” Dennis said. “They have all the support of their family, friends, and the Laker community. I’m not trying to have any tears — these are happy tears — but I’m just really proud of these boys.”
Earlier this month, Iowa Lakes Community College announced the team would resume its season after what school leaders described as careful discussions among student-athletes, coaches, and college administrators.
The college said the decision was made while recognizing the team continues to grieve and heal following the crash.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the bus was traveling southbound on Highway 4 in Calhoun County shortly after 11 a.m. on February 11th when the driver failed to negotiate a curve. Authorities say the driver, 74-year-old Edward Greving of Estherville, overcorrected, causing the bus to roll.
The crash left many members of the team injured and sent shockwaves through the Iowa Lakes campus and surrounding communities.
Friday’s games marked a powerful return for the Lakers — honoring the memory of their teammate while beginning the difficult process of moving forward together.
This story is courtesy of Media Partner KTIV
