LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — In late June, the Lima Locos Express 16U baseball team headed west to Iowa and Nebraska — and came home with a championship.

The Locos went undefeated (7-0) in the 32-team Pathway Omaha Tournament, a week that culminated in Omaha and featured top competition from across the United States. The trip also gave the players a chance to take in the College World Series while they were in town.

Leading the group is University of Northwestern Ohio head baseball coach Kory Hartman, who has the 16U Locos off to a 15-1 overall start this season.

The roster is made up entirely of West Central Ohio players, with athletes from Lima and Ayersville, along with representation from several Western Buckeye League schools — including Wapakoneta, St. Marys, Elida, Van Wert and Defiance.

For Hartman, the wins matter, but the bigger goal is development.

"I want them to walk away better than when they got here—mentally better, physically better and more mature," Hartman said. "These guys are starting to learn how to win, which is important to me, and they can bring that back to their high schools."

Hartman said part of that growth is learning what success looks like beyond the scoreboard.

"The expectation to be successful on and off the field is something they're learning," he said. "What that looks like is different for everybody, but my expectation when we get done with the last game is to look at these young men and say, 'Hey, this is where we started, this is where we ended, and I'm proud of you.'"

Players say that message sticks — especially for those who have spent years in the program.

Lima Locos 16U pitcher Wesley Woods, a Perry junior, said the experience has meant a lot, not just for baseball, but for the relationships built along the way.

"That means a lot to me," Woods said. "Just being able to come out here with the guys. This is my fifth year with the Locos, and I've enjoyed every year of it. I'm glad I got to play for them."

Catcher CJ Craft, a St. Marys sophomore, echoed that appreciation and credited the team environment Hartman has created.

"Yeah, this has meant so much to me, with Coach Hartman obviously helping us be the best of our abilities and being around everyone," Craft said. "They're all so nice. It feels good to be a part of this team."

Tags