One of the area's youngest players was the only member of any of the All-State softball teams announced this week.

Algoma's Macie Zimmerman was one of just four freshmen named to an All-State team encompassing Division 4 and 5 players. The pitching phenom was named to the second team. 

Zimmerman was named to the first team for the All-District 2 squads for small schools. 

The All-District 2 squads for medium schools had a few extra faces from local schools. Luxemburg-Casco's Kylie Hanson (HM), Savannah Jandrin (HM), Grace Kahr (HM), and Southern Door's Sophia Counnard (1st) and Chloe Lustila (HM) were also named.

Picture by Renee Zimmerman

Boosters of the Algoma athletic programs and the community as a whole came out to support the man that has been giving them a voice for decades.

On Thursday, the Algoma FFA Alumni held a meat raffle and silent auction to support the needs of Lee Lawrenz, who has struggled in recent months to keep up with medical bills and needed repairs to his vehicle. Lawrenz, a Wolves alum himself, has extensively covered Algoma athletics for decades, starting when he joined the staff of the Algoma Record-Herald in 1977. Even in retirement, he continues to write updates online following many Algoma events, whether he was able to attend himself or had to follow along on the radio. Lawrenz was recognized by the school in January for his contributions to the school.

For those who did not make the event but still want to Lawrenz, you can mail a donation directly to Lee at 1409 6th Street, Apt. 18, Algoma, WI 54201.

Logan Borths came home with plenty of hardware on Saturday, but one of those pieces is the grandest of all.

Borths won the state title in the wheelchair 100m, cruising to a time of 17.61. It was among his personal records set during the state meet, where he also medaled in the 1600m, 400m, and shotput. They will all pair well with the collection of medals he won at last year's state meet.

Pictures courtesy of Algoma Track and Field

After getting Iola-Scandinavia down to their final out in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Thunderbirds scored 3 unanswered to defeat the Wolves and  clinch a spot in Madison 3-2 on 104.1 WRLU. 

The game started off with many opportunities for both teams, as in the first inning alone the Thunderbirds had a runner on third, and the Wolves had the bases loaded, but neither could result in a run. Macie Zimmerman had her top stuff Thursday afternoon on the mound, as she struck out eight Iola-Scandinavian batters throughout her seven innings pitched.

The Wolves would have another opportunity in the third inning, as Ryley and Macie Zimmerman were the runners on second and third base with just one out for the Wolves. A fly out to the third baseman and to the center fielder would end that threat for Algoma with the game tied 0-0.

The game would remain tied into the bottom of the sixth inning, where pitcher Macie Zimmerman for Algoma would hit a solo home run into left center field to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead headed into the final innings with the Wolves needing  just three outs to clinch a spot at Goodman Diamond.

After Zimmerman retired the first two pinch batters, the Wolves were one out away. The Thunderbirds would not let the Wolves record the 21st out without a say however, as back to back home runs from Jaeyln Sivertson and Maddie Much, who saw her home run be of the inside the park variety. Another run would give Iola-Scandinavia a 3-1 lead.

Algoma would add a run in the bottom half of the seventh, but the final out was recorded at second base and the Thunderbirds would become Sectional Champions and find themselves in the state tournament with a 3-2 over Algoma.

After paving their road to the Sectional Final, the Algoma Wolves will look to finish what they started and punch their ticket to Madison when they face Iola-Scandinavia on Thursday. 

Whether it was the blowout win over Stockbridge/Hilbert 11-0 that featured a no hitter from freshman Macie Zimmerman, or the walk off of St. Mary's Springs 8-7 that won them a regional title, the Algoma Wolves have survived and advanced in many different ways. It will only take one more win however to find themselves in Madison for the state tournament. Algoma has outscored their opponents 24-9 in their three games played in the playoffs, and will need more perfect play to beat Iola-Scandinavia. Deep in the postseason, pitching is what wins teams games, and the Wolves have rode on the shoulders of Macie Zimmerman. 

Iola-Scandinavia has been a high scoring offense throughout the postseason as they have wins of 12-10, 8-2, and most recently 9-6 over top seeded Bonduel. The Thunderbirds are 20-9 overall and have won 10 games in the past 11 they have played. The Wolves of Algoma will not be placed with an easy task, but neither will the Thunderbirds as both teams battle it out for a spot in the final four competing at Goodman Diamond in Madison next week. 

Gary Barta and Paul Schmitt will have the coverage from Crivitz High School on 104.1 WRLU and NEWRadioSportsNetwork.com beginning at 4:15 p.m. with the pregame show and 4:30 p.m. first pitch for the Division 4 Softball Sectional Final between the Algoma Wolves and the Iola-Scandinavia Thunderbirds. 

Picture courtesy of Algoma Booster Club and Renee Zimmerman