By Matt Browning
Led by head coach Dalton Dooley, the Salina Sacred Heart baseball team went 18-8 this season and advanced to the regional semifinals.
Dooley is in his eighth year at Sacred Heart and has led the baseball program for seven of those years.
“I started my first year as an assistant and then I had the opportunity to become head,” Dooley said. “The people are what make Sacred Heart a great place. From the staff to the kids and the community, everyone wants to see you succeed whether that be in athletics or in the classroom.”
The Knights’ success this season stems from a combination of talent like Leon Rowe and Brady Wells, but also Dooley and his coaching staff emphasizing the importance of giving 100 percent game in and game out.
“We tell our guys every year at the first practice to always bring a good attitude and effort,” Dooley said. “We want our kids to compete and have fun doing it.”
Seasons like 2025 are what stands out to Dooley when reflects on some of his favorite moments.“The memories I will always cherish are being able to coach the great groups of young men that we have had in the program past and present and seeing them succeed,” Dooley said.
