SHAWANO, WI- The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and decades of memories are bringing the Shawano Lobos baseball family together this week as the organization celebrates its annual tournament and 40th reunion.
Members of the Shawano Lobos joined WTCH’s Breakfast Club to talk about the history of the program, the importance of community support, and what makes Lobos baseball special after four decades.
“This has been a tradition for 33 years of the tournament,” said Lobos manager Ryan Koenig. “It’s a fun time to get together, see everybody, and just enjoy baseball.”
Ryan Koenig talks about Lobos Week
The week-long tournament features pool play throughout the week, leading up to Friday night’s championship game at Martzke Park. This year’s title game features Cecil and Hofa Park, with both teams going undefeated during pool play.
The championship game is scheduled for 7 p.m., with a large crowd expected as former players, families, and baseball fans return to Shawano.
Celebrating 40 Years of Lobos Baseball
The tournament weekend is also a special milestone for the organization, as the Lobos celebrate their 40th reunion.
Phil Nelson, one of the original members involved with the formation of the Lobos in 1986, has helped preserve the history of the organization.
Nelson said the program started from the ground up.
“We started with no baseballs, no bats, no equipment, so it really was a ground-up operation,” Nelson said.
The first Lobos board of directors included Jim Kamke, Woody Davis, Phil Nelson, Bill Hoffman, Sparky Marohl, Judy Dillenberg, Rick Stottleman, Kit Kasubi, and Bill Krenger.
Nelson said early supporters helped establish the foundation of the organization, including a $500 donation from Choice Beer Sales and a line of credit at a shop owned at the time by Bill Krenger.
From those humble beginnings, the Lobos have grown into a respected part of local baseball.
A Tradition Built Around Community
Listen to Phil Nelson Talk about Getting the Lobos Started
Unlike some baseball programs that bring in players from outside the area, Koenig said one thing that stands out about the Lobos is the emphasis on local players.
“We’ve got a lot of local kids,” Koenig said. “Our rosters are not really put together from all over the state or from college players coming back. It’s a real fun environment.”
The current Lobos roster features many local players, including members of the Henning, Popp, and Beyer families.
The team currently sits around the .500 mark and is battling for playoff position in the Dairyland League.
“We’re learning how to win right now,” Koenig said. “We’re tied for fourth place in the Dairyland, and we’re hoping for that fourth seed so we can host some home playoff games.”
More Than Just Baseball
Troy Beyer talks about a successful organization
Running a baseball organization takes more than what happens on the field. Board members, volunteers, announcers, scorekeepers, concession workers, and sponsors all play an important role.
Lobos board member Matt Zierden, the 2025 Lobo of the Year, helped lead fundraising efforts for a new press box at Martzke Park.
Matt Zierden explains getting a new press box
The project was completed last season thanks to support from numerous local businesses and community members.
“It was great,” Zierden said. “Almost everybody I talked to was willing to help in some way. Some were monetary donations, some of it was doing the work.”
Sponsors helped with everything from construction and electrical work to funding the project.
Zierden said the support shows the value people see in keeping local baseball alive.
“They see the benefit of having a local baseball team in town and the benefit to keeping it going strong,” he said.
Honoring Lobos History
The 40th reunion weekend will include a Hall of Fame ceremony honoring six individuals who have made significant contributions to the organization:
- Bobby Wochinski
- Dave Nelson
- Dan Schutt
- Dustin Beyer
- Ryan Coffey
- Grant Bystol
The Lobos have also recognized more than 200 players who have worn the uniform over the past four decades.
“Lobos have had 208 players that have played for us in the 40 years,” Koenig said. “Some played a couple years, some have been over 25 years. That number speaks for itself.”
The organization has celebrated several championship seasons over the years, including titles in 1992, 1993, 2011, and 2014.
A Weekend to Remember
The reunion weekend will include the championship game, golf outing, a meal, Hall of Fame inductions, and a celebration with former players and supporters.
For Nelson, the longevity of the program comes down to relationships.
“I’ve been glad to be a part of this organization for 40 years,” Nelson said. “I’ve made a lot of good friends over those 40 years. It’s kept me young to be involved with the Lobos.”
The Shawano Lobos championship game begins Friday night at 7 p.m. at Bill Krueger Field at Martzke Park. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as a large crowd is expected.
The event will also include the annual Lobo raffle, featuring inning-by-inning drawings and a $1,000 grand prize.
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