Senior Spotlight

Pacelli looks for a return trip to Fox Cities Stadium after the 2024 season culminated in the WIAA State Semifinals. A key for the Cardinals going on a run in the playoffs was Pitcher/First Baseman Keltin Opper.

Keltin, who took the mound in the State Semifinal has been around the game since birth and introduced to the sport by his father Corey Opper.

The nuances of baseball have kept his interest in the sport, “My favorite part about baseball is the challenge and the depth of the game. You can never know everything. My family legacy has kept me motivated, and it has been fun.”

Keltin sees the strides he has made in on both the physical and intellectual sides of his game, “I am proud of the leaps and bounds I have made since freshman year. I went from being 86 pounds, more introverted, and feeling lost on the mound during starts. To 170 pounds, a person who anyone on the team can talk to and look for advice, and learning an understanding of the mental game.”

A University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point commit, Keltin studies some of the top pitchers in the MLB to give him motivation. “My favorite professionals right now are Jacob DeGrom, Trevor Bauer, and Mason Miller. I like Mason Miller because I can mirror my mechanics to him and I like his story and upbringing, going from D3 to MLB closer.”

Keltin has a heartfelt routine when he walks on the diamond, “ I have the same exact routine for every game. I also write the number 40 on the mound before every start, bullpen, at bat, or outing. I do this to honor Jack Brooks a former coach of mine and mentor.”

As Keltin begins his final season at Pacelli he gives a shoutout to coaches and teammates who have helped him along the way,” My dad, Coach Woida, Coach Lemanski, Coach Jack Brooks, the Pacelli baseball coaching staff and any other teammates or coaches that have been involved with my development as a player and person.”