Horace Mann Middle Schooler Leads by Example

WAUSAU, Wis. — For Tylan ‘Tilen’ Ladwig, success in baseball isn’t just about the scoreboard, it’s about being the kind of teammate others can count on.

A seventh grader at Horace Mann Middle School, Tylan has spent the past eight years improving his game on baseball diamonds across the Wausau area. From city league teams like the Orioles, Hadley Family, Kiwanis, Scheerer and Peoples State Bank to travel baseball with Wausau East, Sluggers Travel and Wausau Sandlot, baseball has been a constant throughout his youth. He also competes with the Horace Mann Eagles White team and balances his athletic schedule with basketball.

“My goal is to be the best teammate and player on the field and court,” said Tylan. “I want to help push my teammates to be their best both on and off the field.”

That leadership mindset was tested this season when injuries sidelined two teammates, forcing him into unfamiliar roles.

“I had to step up in ways I wasn’t confident in,” said Tylan. “I overcame it by trying really hard and having lots of after-practice and after-game talks with my mom.”

Those moments helped him grow, not just as a player, but as a teammate and competitor. One of the best lessons Tylan has learned came from advice that keeps him grounded.

“No matter how good you think you are, there will always be someone better,” said Tylan. “So only hold expectations for yourself.”

It’s a perspective that helps him focus on improvement rather than comparison. When asked what he loves most about baseball, Tylan doesn’t hesitate.

“Throwing the perfect ball to first and getting the out,” said Tylan.

Before games, Tylan and some teammates share a ritual that helps them lock in.

“We grab a piece of sand, rub it in our hands, blow on it and throw it in the air,” said Tylan.

It’s a simple tradition, but one that reminds them they’re stepping into the game together. Outside of sports, Tylan stays busy playing basketball, working out, doing homework and spending time with friends and his dogs. But whether in practice or competition, one lesson continues to stick with him: no one succeeds alone.

“Not one person can do it by themselves,” said Tylan.

That belief was reinforced by memorable advice from Coach Josh with Wausau East Basketball.

“It doesn’t matter what is on the scoreboard, pretend the score is 0 to 0, go out there, fight for your life, and just have some fun,” said Tylan’s coach.

One of Tylan’s toughest lessons came during a championship baseball game two years ago. Entering the final inning with a lead, he was pitching when a mistake changed everything.

“There was a dribbler to the mound, and because I was flustered, I threw it over the first baseman’s head,” said Tylan. “We lost because of that mistake.”

It wasn’t easy to move past.

“I couldn’t really overcome it at first,” said Tylan. “But eventually I just had to suck it up and move on.”

That resilience, and willingness to learn, speaks volumes about who Tylan is becoming as an athlete.

“Thank you to my mom and dad for always supporting me,” said Tylan. “And to everyone who came to cheer me on, my teammates for putting up with me, and my coaches for teaching me on and off the field.”

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