Oklahoma Union makes history with first ever state championship appearance
Oklahoma Union’s Jace Buckley (20) is sent home by head coach Aaron Funkhouser during regionals at OKU. The Cougars made their first appearance in the state tournament on May 15.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Oklahoma Union’s Sam Hill makes a leaping catch at first base, while Nathan Dean backs him up during regionals at OKU. The Cougars made their first appearance in the state tournament on May 15.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
By Becky Burch
May 28, 2025
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
The Oklahoma Union Cougar baseball team made history by making their first ever appearance in the Class 2A state tournament earlier in the month. Although the outcome wasn't as hoped, Coach Aaron Funkhouser said the experience was incredible for the team, school, and community.
The Cougars (19-11) fell 7-1 to Colbert (28-9) in the first round of the state tourney on May 15.
“My players had high energy the whole time. It was an enjoyable moment. …many don’t get to experience a state tournament,” said Funkhouser.
OKU struck early with a run in the first inning, but couldn’t find the bats afterwards. Junior left handed pitcher Sam Hill went six innings and four-for-four at the plate, with two doubles.
“It came down to a defense grind between us,” said Funkhouser. “In the end, the better bats won.”
The Cougars hosted and won regionals prior to state, outscoring their opponents (Minco, Hulbert and Hooker) 51-1. Funkhouser had a personal highlight during the regionals, as his wife gave birth to their first child which kept him from coaching one game.
Following regionals, Funkhouser told his crew the “hay is in the barn, now we just have to finish”.
The loss in the first round of the state tournament can't define the Cougars' season. For some of the seniors, this year's accomplishments were years in the making. A core group of players has been playing competitive ball together since childhood.
“So many kids work so hard and never see the dream of playing for a state title realized,” said Amanda Pierce, mother of senior Connor Pierce. “They’ve been exceptional players since they were eight years old and have put in long hours for years outside of regular practice.”
The Cougars, who ended March with an 11-2 record, returned every starter this season and was able to jump up into the rankings.
Tragedy struck the close-knit group before the 2024-2025 school season when teammate Bradon "BK" Kuehn passed away on June 2, 2024. He was 16 years old. The team honored Kuehn every game by jogging to the center field fence twice.
“The loss of BK...was palpable. They missed him every single game,” said Pierce. “It would've been that much sweeter had he been there.”
The Cougars eight graduating players include Bodee West, Colten Almy, Tanner Dickson, Connor Pierce, Jake Harris, Grant Reeves, Nathan Dean, and Baylor Murray.
The Cougars may not have won the state championship, but the journey was worth it – every bit of hard work, sweat, and tears led to memories that will last a lifetime.
Oklahoma Union’s Bodee West (1) makes a play at second base during regionals at OKU earlier this month. The Cougars made their first appearance in the state tournament on May 15.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports