Gibbons Headed Back To States For First Time Since 2019

It has been five years since Cardinal Gibbons last reached the state final four. On Tuesday, the Chiefs put the finishing touches on what has been an impressive regional run, with a dominating 8-0 win over Mater Lakes, sending Gibbons back to Fort Myers in grand style.

The last time we saw the Chiefs in the state final four, they lost a devastating extra-inning affair 6-3, to Melbourne Central Catholic in the 5A state title game.

“As older coaches, you start to think about if you will ever get back,” said Gibbons Manager Jason Hamilton. “I remember looking back at the field after that finals loss and wondering if that was the last time I would be on that field.”

The next season, Hamilton had a strong class coming back, that projected to be one of the best teams the school has ever had, but COVID wiped out the 2020 season, ending any shot at a return trip for that group of players.

On Tuesday, the current version of the Chiefs made their case to be considered one of the best teams in school history, by defeating a strong Mater Lakes team in every facet of the game.

Gibbons received stellar pitching from starter Michael Kass, who threw four innings of no-hit baseball, and Jack Campbell, who went the final three innings, allowing only one hit.

“Today was all about Kass and Campbell,” said Hamilton. “What can you say about those two guys other than they were outstanding. To hold a team like Mater Lakes, with guys that can really swing it, to no runs and only one hit, is really special.”

While the pitching has been there all year for the Chiefs, it was the offense that has sometimes been sporadic this season, that came up big, putting up eight runs, with a combination of big hits, sacrifice bunts, and timely hits.

The biggest of those timely hits came early in the game. Vinn Buerosse had a two-run single in the first to get the scoring started, and Brenden Trujillo launched a two-run homer in the third.

“That type of offensive production is not something we have been used to seeing in the 2024 season,” said Hamilton. “For these guys to execute the way they did today, and put up eight runs against a good Mater Lakes team, that was a pleasant surprise.”

With the win, Gibbons advances to face Mulberry, who upset McKeel on Tuesday.

For Hamilton, the return trip to the final four is a special one, having only been their once in 26 years of coaching.

“I’m just so happy for this senior class,” said Hamilton. “They faced a lot of adversity the past few years, with several of them missing seasons and significant time due to injuries. To watch them be back on the field, and have it all come together is great to see. It is great to do this today for the school, the administration, the players, the coaches, and the parents, who have all been so supportive of this team this year.”

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