It wasn’t easy and it took some standout efforts, but the Austin Post 1216 baseball team got it done and took home a state title this past weekend.

It was one of those rare occurrences in sports when everything seems to come together at the right time.

It would’ve been easy for the squad, which cruised through most of the season, to feel satisfied with knocking off all of their familiar opponents.

They could’ve been pleased with a trip to state and went to St. Cloud to have a good time and enjoy the experience.

But obviously they had bigger things in mind as they went undefeated at the state level (with three wins by two runs or less) to take home the trophy.

While the win went to Austin, it will also be felt by the surrounding communities as half of the team is made up from players in the surrounding towns.

The win must’ve felt like sweet redemption for Southland’s Alan May, Tyler Kressin, Trevor Emanuel and Grant Hegge as they had to settle for the runner up spot at state two years.

They also had the unfortunate experience of dropping two straight games to Wabasha/Kellogg with a trip to state on the line this past spring.

It had to be nice to finally win one.

Then there’s Hayfield’s Tyler Krekling and Tyler Nelson. After having their season end to Alan May’s Rebels the past few springs, they got to join him in victory. I’m sure they learned some lessons that will help make the Hayfield-Southland baseball games even more interesting and exciting next spring.

And for the Austin players, Quinn Yocom and Jay Ettinger were regular starters, they learned what it’s like to play with a group of small town kids who have had success throughout their careers.

I’m sure they picked up plenty of good pointers along the way.

When I did a story on this crew right before the state tournament, I sensed it’ll be the friendships these players formed that they’ll remember the most. They all seemed to get along and genuinely enjoy each others’ company — despite the fact they came from different schools with different backgrounds.

And learning to do that makes them true champions.