JDHS Crimson Bears to hold senior celebration on Saturday
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé baseball seniors — from left — Nate Fick, Riley Fick, Cayman Huff, Ryland Carlson, Tyler Kookesh, Marcus Mendoza, Madden Mendoza and Christopher Andersen will be honored Saturday, May 9, 2026, on the Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park field. Senior Celebration is at 2:30 p.m. between the Crimson Bears 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. games against the visiting Sitka Wolves. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Independent)
At roughly noon on Saturday, the Adair Kennedy Memorial Park baseball field will begin to lose a bit of its luster — the shine of eight Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé seniors who have given countless hours on and off the field.
Yes, the snow has melted and the opulent turf, the home run fence, the dugouts and grandstands will still be standing proudly in a month, but there will be a hole to fill in each position these seniors have held from home plate through centerfield and all points in between.
“This is a group of kids that have played baseball their whole lives together, but with the transition of schools had to find a way to come together last year,” JDHS head coach Luke Adams said. “And at times it wasn’t easy. It wasn’t easy because it created a different level of competition.”
“Each one of these seniors had to do their part to pave the way for us to be successful this year. It took sacrifice. It took a lot of selfless attitudes and they have done nothing but buy in from day one. I feel like this team’s success is attributed to them coming together as a high school team, getting over some of those differences, and putting the team first.”
“It has been a real honor for myself and the other coaches to see that happen. Our success right now is more attributed to the team doing what it takes to get a positive identity and culture in the program, not only for themselves to be successful, but for success in the future. These kids care about each other. That is what is really special about this group…”
“The kids were always friends. The rivalry that Thunder Mountain High School and Juneau-Douglas High School had was healthy, but it was also what motivated them to keep getting better every year as youth players. When they combined schools, all of a sudden the competition was on. To see these kids come together — and they were friends — they found out what it really meant to be teammates to each other, and I think that strengthened everything…They have a good chemistry brewing, and we are excited to see it and where it takes us.”
The Crimson Bears baseball senior celebration day begins at 10:15 a.m. with JDHS junior varsity action against the Sitka JV. The JDHS varsity plays the first game of a doubleheader against the Sitka Wolves varsity at 12:30 p.m., followed by senior honors with parents at roughly 2:30 p.m. and the second game against Sitka at 3 p.m.
The following are profiles of each of the seniors. Players had the option to answer a series of questions. JDHS coach Adams provided his perspective on each.
Nate Fick
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Nathan Fick catches a pitch for an out against Ketchikan at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Independent)
What does it take to be a JDHS player and wear the uniform?
To be a Bear it takes a lot of persistence and dedication to always keep going on the hard days.
What are you proudest about doing (outside of sports) while attending JDHS?
Outside of sports, the JDHS alpine club was the most interesting class/activity.
Advice to your freshman self
Always keep going and working hard after failing, baseball’s a game where nothing is guaranteed.
What do you bring to the game?
I bring a lot of passion to the game of baseball and I’m very proud of that.
After high school I will be playing baseball at PLU in Tacoma while getting a degree.
Food – crab rangoon; movie/show-“Forrest Gump”; music – Tyler Childers; book – “Big Fish”; hobbies – skiing, fishing, hunting-
What would be the perfect graduation gift to receive?
Gas money to go fishing more this summer.
If anywhere, where would you take your parents and/or siblings?
Situk River (near Yakutat), to go fly fishing for steelhead.
Something most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know I almost failed first grade so I could have been a junior right now still.
How long can you go without a cell phone?
If I have everything I needed I could go all summer without my phone.
Coach’s thoughts: “An absolute competitor. He puts his body on the line every day playing in the position of catcher and third baseman. Tremendous training abilities and habits that are going to help us with our success the rest of the season, but we are also excited for him in his baseball journey continuing at PLU next year.”
Riley Fick
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Riley Fick catches a putout throw against Ketchikan at Adair Kennedy Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Independent)
What are you proudest about doing (outside of sports) while attending JDHS?
Outside of sports I’m most proud of taking the metalworking class.
After high school I am attending Oregon Tech, and I am most excited to meet new people and learn new skills.
What would be the perfect graduation gift to receive?
If anywhere, where would you take your parents and/or siblings?
I would take my brother to North Dakota to hunt waterfowl.
How long can you go without a cell phone?
Coach’s thoughts: “A hard-nosed baseball player that loves to compete every day. In my opinion, the best first baseman in the region and the state. Great personality and sense of humor. Another team-first guy that just wants to help his team be their best every day.”
Cayman Huff
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Cayman Huff is shown at the Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park field prior to the Crimson Bears’ game against Sitka on Friday, May 8, 2026. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Independent)
What does it take to be a JDHS player and wear the uniform?
Being a JDHS baseball player means showing up every day ready to work and give 100%, even when things might not be going your way. Wearing the Crimson Bears uniform means carrying something bigger than myself, it is about playing for my teammates, coaches, school and the community.
What are you proudest about doing (outside of sports) while attending JDHS?
I am proudest of the impact I have had in music and the relationships I have built with others. Mentoring younger musicians and growing through the band program here have been a huge part of my life.
Advice to your freshman self
I would tell my freshman self to slow down and not stress so much about the things you cannot control. Keep working, stay coachable and trust that the effort will pay off. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there, high school goes faster than you think.
What do you bring to the game?
I bring competitiveness, focus and willingness to do whatever the team needs. I am proudest of my growth as a player and teammate. I take pride in doing the little things right and setting a standard for the younger guys in the program.
I am passionate about continuing in music and pursuing a career as an educator. I will be going to college to major in music education. I am excited to keep growing as a musician and inspire the next generation.
Food – pizza; movie/show – “The Summer I Turned Pretty”; music – pop, rock, jazz; book – “Into the Wild”; hobbies – clarinet, composing music, baseball, art; quote: – “Desire can overcome many deficiencies.”
Perfect graduation gift to receive?
Something practical I can use for music or college in the fall.
If anywhere, where would you take your parents and/or siblings?
Hawaii, because that’s where my mom always wants to go.
How long can you go without a cell phone?
Probably not much more than a full day.
Coach’s thoughts: “Been a rock-solid pitcher for our program for four years. Does whatever it takes to help the team and never makes it about anything but giving the team the best chance to win. Another outstanding character and human being. He represents our school and community, and his family, with the highest regard every day. Just an outstanding kid.”
Tyler Kookesh
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Tyler Kookesh catches a fly ball against Ketchikan at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Independent)
What does it take to be a JDHS player and wear the uniform?
Being a JDHS baseball player takes patience and dedication. It is quite an honor to wear the jersey and people should never take it for granted.
What are you proudest about doing (outside of sports) while attending JDHS?
I am most proud of keeping up good grades and for the teachers helping me get to the spot I am at right now.
Advice to your freshman self
I should have started weightlifting earlier and I would have told him work hard, eat a lot and weightlift.
What do you bring to the game?
I feel I bring a lot of positivity and physically I bring speed and, surprisingly, I bring power, and that is what I am proud of.
I plan to continue on to college to study business/accounting and continue to play baseball. As I am given more opportunities, I am still deciding where I would like to pursue that.
Food – Island Pub pizza; movie/show – “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith”; music – I love listening to sad country/folk or reggae music; book – the Bible; hobbies – I love to play guitar, work on cars, hunt and fish, make money, weightlift and off-road. Quote – “Sweat on your skin is better than regret on your heart” by Dylan Gosset.
A lot of people call me Ty/Frisby.
What would be the perfect graduation gift to receive?
A perfect graduation gift would be a new car.
If anywhere, where would you take your parents and/or siblings?
I would take them to Hawaii because it is my favorite place on Earth.
Something most people don’t know about you?
I know how to do a lot of flips and I know how to fight/defend myself.
How long can you go without a cell phone?
I can go a good 2-3 days without my phone.
Coach’s thoughts: “Outstanding all-around athlete. Does his part to play anywhere we need him to. Not only a tremendous centerfielder, definitely the best in the region, if not the entire state of Alaska. Plays with heart and hustle every day. Just a great leader on and off the field.”
Madden Mendoza
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Madden Mendoza throws a fielded ball to first base against Ketchikan at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Independent)
What does it take to be a JDHS player and wear the uniform?
Lots of discipline and commitment. By putting on my uniform I am representing my team and my town, and I have to set a good example for the upcoming high school baseball players.
Advice to your freshman self
Have more confidence and believe in yourself.
What do you bring to the game?
I am proud that I am able to keep a level head despite what happens on the field.
Food – Taco Bell; movie/show – “Land of the Lost”; hobbies – golf.
What would be the perfect graduation gift to receive?
If anywhere, where would you take your parents and/or siblings?
To Mexico, because that is where you can have the most fun.
How long can you go without a cell phone?
Coach’s thoughts: “A man of few words. Does his job every day, brings his best. An outstanding overall baseball player and human being. He has a tremendous baseball IQ that players and coaches are able to respect and learn from. Just a kid, like his brother, that plays the game with heart and passion every day.”
Marcus Mendoza
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Marcus Mendoza eyes a pitch against Ketchikan at Adair Kennedy Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Independent)
What does it take to be a JDHS player and wear the uniform?
Be dedicated to the team and have discipline. Putting the jersey on you are not only representing yourself, but Juneau and setting a good example for upcoming players.
Advice to your freshman self
Work hard, be confident and do not be afraid to speak up and put yourself out there.
Food – Chipotle; movie/show – “Fury”; hobbies – fishing.
Perfect graduation gift to receive?
Perfect place to take parents and/or siblings?
Mexico — that is where all the fun takes place.
How long can you go without using a cell phone?
Coach’s thoughts: “Definitely a quiet leader on our team and an absolute and all-around good human being. A great kid. Positive attitude. Always keeps things light-hearted and fun. But in the game of baseball you are not going to find a kid that plays with more passion. He just enjoys being around his teammates. A selfless player that always puts the team first. Definitely someone that makes our team better all around every day.”
Christopher Andersen
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Christopher Andersen pitches against Ketchikan at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Independent)
What does it take to be a JDHS player and wear the uniform?
I would say teamwork and dedication to the team. When I wear the jersey it means more than just playing for JD. It means playing for each and every person on the team that I’ve been playing with for years.
What are you proudest about doing (outside of sports) while attending JDHS?
I think the proudest thing while attending JDHS is making my first cutting board in Mr. Jacoby’s woods class.
Advice to your freshman self
I would tell my freshman self that you will get your chance, and when you do show them what you got. And some advice for the younger athletes, be patient and know your hard work will pay off and remember to have fun.
What do you bring to the game?
I bring a positive attitude, a willingness to always improve. And my proudest moment would be when I made it to state for the first time.
I am most passionate about working in the construction industry as it has always been something that clicked with me and has been an ambition of mine since sophomore year, and I enjoy the physical aspect of it and that it is also a way to help the community.
Food – pancit; movie – “John Wick”; music – oldies (1950s-2000s); hobbies – working on cars.
What would be the perfect graduation gift to receive?
Construction tools for when I start working after high school.
If anywhere, where would you take your parents and/or siblings?
I would take my parents back to Hawaii, where they had their honeymoon and where they have been wanting to go back for a family vacation ever since.
Something most people don’t know about you?
I am an ambitious person. When I want to do something or there’s something I want to buy, I work hard to make it happen for myself and/or others.
How long can you go without a cell phone?
I could put my phone away for a day and be fine.
Coach’s thoughts: “Outstanding character and individual. Has worked his entire career and is seeing the real benefits of that now by earning his spot in the outfield. Always a player who is able to deliver a big play when our team needs it. Another selfless individual. He plays a team game and is an important part of our team’s success this year. Overall his patience in getting his opportunities are paying off and we are excited to see his success this year.”
Ryland Carlson
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Ryland Carleson is shown in a run-down against Sitka at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park on Friday, May 8, 2026. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Independent)
What are you proudest about doing (outside of sports) while attending JDHS?
Outside of JDHS sports is having physical activity classes.
Advice to your freshman self
Have fun and do not get down on yourself.
What do you bring to the game?
I love being able to bring the energy to my team.
I am planning on taking a little time to myself before going into the military.
Food – chicken adobo; movie – “White Chicks”; show – “Naruto”; music artist – Montell Fish; book – “The Body Keeps Score”; hobby – basketball and hanging out with friends.
What would be the perfect graduation gift to receive?
Being able to spend time with my whole family.
If anywhere, where would you take your parents and/or siblings?
How long can you go without a cell phone?
Coach’s thoughts: “He is everything that is right about this team and this program. He brings a lot of energy every day and has a tremendous work ethic to continue to get better. A great individual with great character and a tremendous attitude. Brings out the best in himself and his teammates every day, in each practice and each game.”
The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears pose for a team photo at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Field on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Independent)