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Since He Could Walk: Tyrel Kjersem was born to play for the Northstars
Havre's Tyrel Kjersem has played a ton of different sports in his 18 years, including as many as four sports at Havre. But from the time he was young Kjersem knew he loved baseball, and he was meant to be a Havre Northstar. The Northstars are at a tournament in Helena this weekend.
The summer is going strong in regard to a certain sport. As the days go by, the fields are seeing a lot of action from the many teams that are able to compete, including the Havre Northstars American Legion baseball club. There have been some ups and downs so far, but some stellar players have contributed a great amount to the Havre club, among them senior Tyrel Kjersem.
Kjersem has been playing baseball ever since he could walk and has been with the Northstars for four years. Kjersem, a fine all-around athlete was also a Class A All-State doubles player for Havre High tennis, a three-year varsity golfer and a two-year varsity player for the HHS boys basketball team. But when summertime comes around, Kjersem is ready to go to work and enjoy playing the game of baseball.
And at the end of the day, Kjersem made sure to be short, sweet and to the point when it comes to his favorite part of playing baseball.
"I like being able to play with my friends, having fun and working to win," Kjersem said.
Kjersem has been quite the standout for the Northstars this season, especially on the pitcher's mound. Kjersem's game on the mound has seen a good number of strikeouts, as well as great arm strength to make his pitches really fly. But Kjersem has power offensively, as well.
When it comes to at-bats, Kjersem makes it a point to put purpose behind every swing, giving his hits an edge to be feared. On top of that, Kjersem works hard to keep the offense driving, whether it be stealing bases or hitting a well-placed ball to get his teammates to home plate.
On top of that, Kjersem has been working to not only improve his game and his team's performance, he is aiming to help shape a better future for Havre baseball, too.
"My goal is to make this team better and help the kids," Kjersem said. "I want to help the kids younger than me and turn this program into a great program for everybody."
Not only is Kjersem a great player, but he has an outstanding character, too. Kjersem has a passion to make his team stronger, support his teammates to improve their game and be a big part in leading the Northstars forward to victory. His teammates and coaches respect his drive and hard work on and off the field, making Kjersem a great athlete to have on the team.
And in the eyes of Northstars head coach Patch Wirtzberger, Kjersem has risen to be both a great player and a great person for his team in the 2020 season.
"Tyrel is a guy that has really matured a lot this year," Wirtzberger said. "He's become a great leader for our young guys on a young team that only has two seniors and his work he puts in at practice is starting to really pay off on the field. He's just doing a great job for us."
"I've seen Tyrel become that leader as well," HHS tennis and golf coach George Ferguson said. "I've seen him take on that role of helping younger kids and teammates become better. I really watched him do that in our tennis program, and with how much I know he loves baseball, I'm not surprised that he's working hard to help the younger players develop with the Northstars. I just think it's in his nature. And I suspect, Tyrel would make a really good coach someday."
Now down in Helena for the Helena Tournament at Kindrick Legion Field, Kjersem is putting his best forward to help Havre grab a few more wins on the road, as well as enjoy the summer season as it goes forward. But before the Northstars headed to the Capital City, the Havre Daily News caught up with the summer standout for five questions.
HDN: What is your favorite position to play on the field?
Kjersem: "Pitcher, for sure."
HDN: Who among your teammates would you compete against in a home-run contest?
Kjersem: "Quinn Reno and Brody Nanini."
HDN: What have you learned the most while playing with the Northstars?
Kjersem: "To be a team; not to go out and play individually, as well as being able to trust your teammates, play together with your teammates and have fun while doing it."
HDN: What are your hobbies outside of sports?
Kjersem: "Work. That's about it."
HDN: What is your favorite memory with the Northstars?
Kjersem: "I'd have to say traveling to Medicine Hat and playing in the district tournament, hanging out in the hotel and having fun playing our games. Stuff like that."
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