Bigfork baseball sets goals for new season

With a new season comes new opportunities — and for the Bigfork Vikings baseball team, 2025 is all about chasing a spot at the state tournament.

Head Coach Dave Romano is entering the year with optimism, even as the team navigates a challenging schedule and a youthful roster. Those following baseball in Montana aren’t sleeping on Bigfork, either, as they expect the Vikings to be in the thick of things this season.

“Our goal is to qualify for state,” Romano said. “With some realignment, there’s a lot of competition within our division, but we believe we can be one of the top teams if we stay consistent.”

The Vikings are certainly young, carrying just two seniors and three juniors. The rest of the roster is rounded out by five sophomores and four freshmen. But what they lack in age, they make up for in energy, talent, and passion for the game.

“We’re a fun team. We’re a team that enjoys being around each other and playing together,” Romano said.

One of the key players returning to baseball is senior Sam Plummer, who Romano describes as a “great kid and hard worker.” Plummer took a break from the sport but has come back to help anchor this year’s squad.

“He’s someone we’re really glad to have back,” Romano said. “He brings maturity and effort every day.”

Joining Plummer in leading the team is senior Liam Benson, a player Romano counts on for his leadership.

“Liam brings that older leadership to the team,” he said.

Bigfork plans to rely on speed and strong defense, playing a brand of baseball focused on consistency and contact.

“We try to be gap to gap, we’ve got a lot of speed, and we’re a good defensive team,” Romano said. “That’s our identity.”

The Vikings aren’t deep, with a smaller roster that requires nearly every player to contribute. But Romano embraces that challenge.

“We utilize a lot of the kids in multiple spots,” he said. “Everyone’s going to have a role.”

Key contributors - and throwing arms - include Grady Campbell, Hayden Myer, Mason Lewis, Ry Rodriguez, and Holland Jantzen. Young players will be leaned on heavily throughout the season as well. Benson will also be a solid arm for the Vikings. 

“We’ve got some young talent, especially the four incoming freshmen,” Romano said. “They’re excited to be here, and we’re looking forward to helping them grow and develop.”

That development will be tested quickly in a competitive division. Due to realignment, Bigfork now finds itself in the same conference as perennial powerhouses like Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Eureka, Polson, and Ronan.

“Columbia Falls is a very, very strong team,” Romano said. “And with Whitefish, Eureka, Polson, and Ronan all in the mix, there’s some stiff competition this year. Every game is going to be a battle.”

With such tough opponents on the schedule, Romano believes the key to success is consistency.

“We’re striving for consistency at the plate, on the mound, and in the field,” he said. “If we can do that — stay consistent — we’ll be a tough team to beat.”

Off the field, there’s even more reason for excitement in Bigfork. The school is in the process of finishing a brand-new baseball field, thanks to the support of the community. Previously, they had been using the field of the Kalispell-based Sluggers.

“We’re really excited and grateful,” Romano said. “A lot of people put in work to get it built, and the community stepped up to help raise the funds.”

Romano also expressed gratitude for the Sluggers letting his team use their field as well. 

In Bigfork, the sod is already in place, and if the weather cooperates, the Vikings could be playing on their new home field by mid-April.

“It just needs a couple more warm weeks to take root and grow in,” Romano said.

As Bigfork steps into the 2025 season, they have young talent, strong leadership, and a brand-new field on the horizon. The Vikings are looking to make their mark—starting now.