Spartans rally for ALS night comeback win over Rock Ridge

By Ellie Olson, Reporter

May 1, 2026

Seniors (left) Ezekiel Simiyu, Samuel Hubbard, Dawson Ahlborg, Jayce Rue and Austin Edwards (right) pose for a photo after the ALS charity game on April 30, 2026.

What began as an idea turned into a night of raising awareness, support, and hope. On April 30, the Spartans took the field against Rock Ridge in a game that meant more than just a win. This game was special for senior players Jayce Rue, Dawson Ahlborg, Austin Edwards and Sam Hubbard, along with fellow senior Ezekiel Simiyu.

It started off slow for the Spartans giving up five runs through the first five innings of the game. The Spartans turned it around in the bottom of the 6th inning, scoring five runs on four hits to take the lead and win the game 8-5. The clutch moment of the inning was by Edwards who had a single that drove in two past home plate.

Senior outfielder Austin Edwards throws the ball to Mattson Rue the second baseman during their game against Rock Ridge on April 30, 2026 (Mike Fiegle)

“With it being not only our first home game but also our senior project event, the stakes felt pretty high. We felt more motivated to maintain our high energy and be resilient in order to get the comeback win,” said Edwards.

Ahlborg started off on the mound and had a solid game, striking out two and walking two. The starting pitcher gave up five hits and five runs through six innings, two of which were earned. Off the mound, Ahlborg led the Spartans with two runs batted in.

Senior pitcher Dawson Ahlborg pitches the ball with a runner on first during the second inning of their ALS charity game against Rock Ridge on April 30, 2026. (Mike Fiegle)

Through the whole game they knew what they were playing for, knew they couldn’t give up, and they didn’t.

Rue set the tone starting at bat, with two hits in three at bats. Rue ended his night being player of the game and led in runs with three out of the team’s eight.

“Jayce stepped up big time for us. He gave us the offensive spark we needed to get things going while being a massive impact defensively, stealing multiple hits from Rock Ridge,” said Edwards.

Senior Jayce Rue throws his helmet off as he runs back and fourth, caught in a run down (pickle) in their ALS charity game against Rock Ridge on April 30, 2026. (Kaden Covill)

The Spartans ended the game with sophomore Mattson Rue as the closing pitcher, who didn’t allow Rock Ridge any runs. The righty gave up one hit, striking out one and walking two.

“Dawson and Mattson both pitched really well last night helping our team out defensively. Offensively it took the whole team getting hits, laying down bunts and base running,” said Rue.

Sophomore Mattson Rue pitches in the last inning to close the ALS charity game on April 30, 2026. (Kaden Covill)

While the cheers were loud, the message was louder. During the game a raffle fundraiser was being held, with multiple different donated baskets from local businesses. All of the earnings made are going towards Essentia Health ALS foundation.

The Spartans are back at home to take on New Richmond tonight, May 1, for a double header.