Humboldt Cubs Reload for Another State Tournament Run

Humboldt high school baseball team looks to rebuild after losing most of last year's championship roster

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:19pm

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The Humboldt Cubs high school baseball team is facing a rebuilding year after graduating almost their entire starting lineup from last season's regional championship team. Coach Mike Miller says they have a lot of question marks heading into Thursday's home jamboree, but are hoping returning seniors Grady Elder, Carson Russell and Mason Sterling, as well as promising sophomores Kolton Hanson and Ty Shaughnessy, can lead the way for the young squad.

Why it matters

Humboldt has been a consistent contender in Iowa high school baseball, making regular appearances at the state tournament. Despite losing a lot of talent to graduation, the Cubs are determined to reload and make another run at a state championship this season.

The details

Humboldt is in an undeniable rebuild year, having graduated almost their entire starting lineup from last season's regional championship team. Coach Mike Miller says they're still trying to figure out their starting lineup, with a lot of competition between the players to earn those spots. Returning seniors Grady Elder, Carson Russell and Mason Sterling will be counted on to provide leadership, while sophomores Kolton Hanson and Ty Shaughnessy showed promise last summer and will look to make an impact at the varsity level.

  • The Humboldt Cubs will host a home jamboree on Thursday, March 12, 2026 to kick off their season.
  • The Cubs are aiming to return to the state tournament in May 2026 after winning their regional championship last season.

The players

Mike Miller

The head coach of the Humboldt Cubs baseball team.

Grady Elder

A returning senior for the Humboldt Cubs.

Carson Russell

A returning senior for the Humboldt Cubs.

Mason Sterling

A returning senior for the Humboldt Cubs who missed significant time last season due to injury.

Kolton Hanson

A promising sophomore who saw some varsity playing time last season and during summer ball.

Ty Shaughnessy

A sophomore who also missed significant time last season due to injury but is expected to contribute this year.

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What they’re saying

“We lost a lot last year, so we have a lot of question marks coming into this. We haven't been through this in a while, where we had a group that just graduated that had been playing together since they were freshmen.”

— Mike Miller, Head Coach

“We usually have a good idea of who is going to be where, and this year we don't know. We're still trying to figure that out. It's exciting to see the competition between them and who is going to step up and take those spots.”

— Mike Miller, Head Coach

“Mason was an everyday starter for us last year. We know what we're going to get from him and hopefully he can lead these young guys. Ty, Kolton Hanson and Gavin Gunderman played some spot duty for us at the varsity level and really did a good job when called on. They've been patiently waiting for their turn and hopefully they will make the most of it.”

— Mike Miller, Head Coach

What’s next

The Humboldt Cubs will host their home jamboree on Thursday, March 12, 2026 to kick off their season and begin to solidify their starting lineup.

The takeaway

Despite losing a lot of talent to graduation, the Humboldt Cubs baseball team is determined to reload and make another run at the state tournament this season. With a mix of experienced returning seniors and promising young players, the Cubs are embracing the challenge of rebuilding and are excited to see who will step up to fill the void left by last year's championship squad.