It's been a diamond dream come true

There are many times in an athlete's life when they can look back on how far they have come since they first started their journey in the world of sports. Every story is different, unique and grandiose in its own way, with the athlete always leaving their own special mark on their story. The accomplishments and proud moments that make up those memories will always be with an athlete, even to the point of driving them forward in life after their time in the sports world.

Quinn Reno is an athlete that has quite an incredible story of his own.

The senior, who has been working hard in his final season with the Havre Northstars American Legion baseball club, has come a long way since he first started with the Northstars, making a name for himself in the Havre baseball community.

The year 2020 has been a hectic one when it comes to sports, shutting down the spring season and consistently threatening the summer season, but at the end of the day, Reno is making the most of being able to take the field in this year.

"It's been special," Reno said. "We're blessed to have a season. We're blessed to play. It's been in jeopardy a few times, but we're lucky to keep it going. This whole season has been a highlight. Earlier this spring, I thought we were not even going to get to play. Being able to play is great."

When it comes to playing with the Northstars, Reno has been a force on the offensive side of the game, putting up hits that help give Havre a boost in games. Back in early July, Reno made his impact in a game one to remember, putting up two triples to score multiple runners throughout the game. Reno can make any defense pay when he is at-bat if he gets the chance.

There are other special parts about playing with the Northstars this year for Reno, as well. His younger brother, Kale, has gotten some important playing time this year for Havre. Under his brother's guidance, as well as the coaches' guidance for the Northstars, Kale has a solid future with the Northstars, another thing Reno is glad to see happen, as he enjoys the time he spends with his brother when it comes to baseball.

On top of that, Reno's father, Shane is one of the coaches for Havre, making the experience even more special than it was before. Not only is Reno able to get guidance on and off the field from his father, but Reno finds it to be very important that his father is able to help coach him.

Playing with members of your family is a special experience for athletes but having a parent as one of your coaches adds more spice to the game, too, something that Reno is glad to have.

"It's fun," Reno said, "a lot of I'm catching and he's pitching. It's a lot of fun working with him. I get to play with my brother. It doesn't get any better than that. It's nice to have my dad as one of my coaches. We can talk about things at home. It's nice."

Ever since he first took the field for the Northstars, Reno has worked his way up to become a major part of the leadership core that has kept the Northstars solid, which is something that Reno thinks of fondly looking back on his earlier years up till now. There are a lot of great things about being a big part of the leadership that makes up a team. Reno will always be happy to have those skills with him in the future.

"I like being a leader for these guys," Reno said. "It's always been a pleasure just to be there for them and lead them. There are so many memories with the Northstars. From my first year to my last year, it's always been fun. When I was looking up to those older guys in my first year, then being able to lead these guys my second and third year has always been fun."

The senior has had some big moments outside of baseball, as well, as he was a state champion wrestler his freshman year, where he competed against his fellow Havre teammate Cameron Pleninger, pinning him to win the 103-pound weight-class title, a big moment for the young wrestler at the time.

Reno gives credit to his years of wrestling when it comes to certain knowledge he retained from the sport.

"I wrestled my freshman and sophomore year and decided not to my junior and senior year," Reno said. "If I didn't wrestle, I would not be where I am today. I give a lot of credit to the sport."

As for his future, Reno has his mind set on a path filled with educational pursuits, but he still has a plan to have some connection to sports in his future.

"I am going to go to college here at MSU-Northern and get a degree in kinesiology," Reno said.

But for now, Reno will be finishing the last leg of his final season as a part of the Northstars. With the last regular season game against the Tri-County Cardinals Saturday, followed by the Districts Tournament and the Class A State Tournament for the postseason, Reno will be ready to help lead Havre through thick and thin. Reno has been on an incredible journey since he first started his career with the Northstars and as a part of the Havre wrestling team.

And Reno is not done just yet, as he will be another big key piece for the Northstars as they close their season in early August.