As the Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) Trojans baseball team nears the end of its season, two of its senior players, Jaxon Dubois and Tyler Olson, are not only preparing for zone playoffs — they’re also preparing to say goodbye to high school.
The pair shared their reflections on their baseball careers, school life, and what's next after graduation.
Dubois, who has played for the Trojans for the past three years, described this season as a mix of challenge and promise.
"We had a good start, and we slowed down, but we're here to close off a good end of the season and then make it to zones," he said. Despite losing several graduating seniors last year, Dubois believes the team has strong potential. "We've had a lot of young guys come up and they're stepping up."
Olson, a four-year veteran with the Trojans, talked about the importance of leadership and team growth. "It's pretty awesome," he said. "Seeing different guys in and out for the last four years is pretty cool. And coming into the fourth year being one of the leaders... it's a great feeling."
Coaching has played a vital role in their development. Robert Olson is one of the team's coaches and Tyler reflected on having his dad as a coach his senior year,
"I'm used to it. It’s been that way for the last how many years of my life, and I love it!"
Graduation is just weeks away, and both students are headed for exciting new opportunities. Dubois will attend U of M in the fall. When asked about how he feels about high school coming to an end he said,
"It's really nice to know that all the work I've put in is finally paying off."
Olson, meanwhile, is off to Lake Region State College in North Dakota to play college baseball while beginning to work towards a degree in physical education.
"I'm really excited to continue playing high-level ball."
As they prepare to leave PCI, both hope to be remembered by their fellow classmates for more than just their on-field achievements.
"I hope they just remember that I had the good time," Dubois said. Olson added, "Just helping out and being a team role model on sports teams."
With their futures in motion, the legacy of Dubois and Olson will surely leave a lasting impact on the PCI Trojans.