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Asotin County American Legion program back and rolling after year-long hiatus

Jun. 11—The silence lasted only one summer, but according to supporters, a summer too long.

After the Asotin County Blues (17U) failed to field an American Legion baseball team in 2025, community members, parents, sponsors and American Legion supporters went to work to ensure the program's absence would not last long.

The efforts paid off as the Blues returned in 2026 with strong local sponsorships, lower costs and a roster spanning three schools. Now, the program's leaders hope the revival is the first step toward rebuilding a long-term Legion baseball program.

Looking at the diamond, Blues coach Jace Wessels said the Asotin County (2-4) is "looking pretty good" so far into the season. The Blues will next face the Lewis-Clark Cubs in Clancy Ellis Tournament action at 6 p.m. today at Harris Field.

Bringing the Blues back to life

Denetta Nugen, the president of the Blues American Legion program, said that the planning for this team goes back to 2025.

She said that a board got together and started to brainstorm ways to bring the program back.

"What we noticed is that in 2025, last year, they weren't able to form a team for a variety of reasons," Nugen said. "There was a small group of us, along with a few of the members from the American Legion, and a few of us were like, 'Gosh, that is not right to not have an American Legion baseball team.' There are enough players out there who want to continue playing and bettering their skills, so we were like, 'OK, we're gonna find enough people that are interested in seeing what we can do to get this revitalized.'"

It started with a town hall meeting, pitching the program to the community. She said that the community immediately gave its support with sponsorships, parents and players.

Sponsorships from businesses included: the Hughes Foundation, Rick's & Heights Family Foods, Lewiston Motor Company, Battles & Ells, P1FCU, Twin River Bank, Seekins Precision and the Pomeroy Babe Ruth program.

A large part of the sponsorships were due to the fact that Nugen wanted to lower the cost of joining the team.

"We just have always tried to make sure from the beginning ... that it was providing an opportunity for any of our youth that (were) in that age group that had an interest in improving, and continuing playing baseball and being a part of the American Legion team," Nugen said. "We knew that that was going to come too from finding strong sponsorship because one of our goals — and we were able to accomplish it — was to lower player fees, lower cost."

Rather than having parents question if they could afford to have their child play, the board tried to make it clear that they were lowering the price to join.

Asotin County is pulling players from Asotin, Clarkston and Pomeroy.

"I'm proud of three different schools coming together," Nugen said. "Historically, the team was made up of Asotin and Clarkston, but now (we're) bringing in a third school, so seeing those players come in and get to know each other, (and) not only to get to know each other, but being able to play as a team and be teammates, and have fun on the field, off the field — very proud of that. The way that everybody has welcomed each other, very proud."

She said that the Blues have "lofty goals" of adding more teams in the future, including a possible 15U team. An idea is to get the younger players who just finished Little League to join the Legion program and keep them involved in baseball during the summer.

What the Asotin County team looks like in 2026

First-year coach Wessels is leading the Blues in 2026. He spent the past spring as an assistant coach at Orofino.

Wessels said that the effort that the team gives is "amazing," that the group is willing and wanting to learn and that they give it their all during games and in practice.

The team is built of six Clarkston players, two Asotin players and five Pomeroy players.

"It's really a lot about development right now," Wessels said. "Obviously, we're trying to win games and do great, but it's a lot about development. It's getting these kids better, building this program back up. It's always been a great program."

In discussing standout players, Wessels mentioned Conrad Nelson, who has "been everywhere for (the Blues)." Nelson plays catcher, middle infield and pitches.

He said that Parker Nugen will be a key bat and arm for the team, same for Blyton Holman.

He also said that Nolan Newberg is a great hitter and Jacob Ostermiller is a great catcher and middle infield player for the program.

Wessels said those players are the leaders of the Blues.

"They're trying to help these kids get better," Wessels said. "Everyone's trying to help each other get better. They're doing the work, they're listening, they're the first ones here, the last ones to leave. They're getting extra work, they're doing everything they need to do to get better. It's always 100% with those guys. It's been showing on the field for them too."

He said the goal from Day 1 with the team was to develop the players to become better for their high schools during the season. It takes buy-in from the players, but they seem to be responding well.

Wessels was excited on how tight-knit the group seems to be.

"They've been bonded right now," Wessels said. "I mean, we just finished up practice, probably 20-30 minutes ago, and I still got a group of guys here hanging out, having fun being kids. So, I would say it's just they're here having fun getting better."

Junt can be reached at 208-848-2258, tjunt@lmtribune.com or on X @TrevorJunt.

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