U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) presented the Jefferson City Jays Baseball Team with a congratulatory letter on their first place win in the 2017 Missouri Class 5 Baseball State Championship.

"With a record of 31-2, it is clear the Jays were a championship team all year.  I was pleased to have the opportunity to recognize the players and coaches for bringing home the state championship to their school and community,” Luetkemeyer said.

The team includes senior players: Cole Ahrens, Kade Franks, Hayden Hirschvogel, Gaven Strobel, Gunnar See, Jacob Weirich, Brandon Williams, and Grant Wood. The junior players include: Nolan Binkley, Tyler Bise, Payton Bodenstab, Cade Galbraith, Mason Hansen, Reece Neighbors, Michael Skinner, Ryan Sturm, Joseph Travis, and Chad Volmert. The sophomore players include: Landon Dunlap, Tucker Schwartz, Jack Shinkle, Blake Terry, and Justin Wood.

In addition, Head Coach Brian Ash and Assistant Coaches J.R. Simmons, Kyle Lasley, Jim Womack, Steve Lochhead, and Brett Skinner. Coach Ash has been honored as the USA Today Missouri Coach of the Year, as well as, the National High School Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. Additionally, Assistant Coach Simmons has been honored as the Regional Assistant Coach of the Year by the National High School Baseball Coaches Association.