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Polk County Middle’s baseball season didn’t end with the record that head coach Alston Rikard wanted in his coaching debut.

But despite a one-win season, Rikard couldn’t have been more pleased with how the Wolverines competed from season opener to finale.

“I’m so proud of all of the boys this year,” Rikard said. “They came to practice day in and day out and worked hard. Each one has grown over the course of the season, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

“The season may not have ended how we wanted, but none of the boys ever gave up, and that’s something that I hope they are proud of themselves for.”

Polk earned its lone victory with a 13-8 triumph over Bethel and also had one-run losses to Apple Valley (twice) and Hendersonville. The won-loss record was ever so close to being much better.

The Wolverines had a lineup dominated by seventh graders, and that should make for a competitive season in 2024.

“I really couldn’t have asked for a better group for my first year of coaching,” Rikard said.