Cannon Falls Bombers prepare for state quarterfinals with multi-generational coaching legacy

Cannon Falls High School baseball is set to compete in the Class 2A state quarterfinals on June 11, 2026, against Winona Cotter at Dick Putz Field in St. Cloud. Seeded No. 4 with a 20-6 record, the Bombers are preparing for the 6 p.m. match following their Section 2-2A title victory. The team’s preparation is underpinned by a coaching structure that spans three decades, anchored by pitching and outfield coach Keith Meyers, who has been involved with the program’s state tournament appearances since playing in 1997.

Meyers, a Cannon Falls graduate, served as a top pitcher during the team’s inaugural state trip in 1997, where they finished third. He subsequently joined the coaching staff for the program’s other three state tournament appearances in 2012, 2023, and 2026. His connection to the current roster is familial; his sons, Jack and Tyler, are on the team, alongside his nephew, Grady Meyers. Jack was a member of the 2023 state team, while Tyler, a junior infielder and pitcher, has been instrumental in the current season’s success, including securing two mound wins during the sectional title run.

Head coach Bucky Lindow, who has coached on and off for 39 years, attributes the team’s success to pitching depth and toughness. Lindow, who was an assistant during Meyers’ 1997 playing days before taking the head job, noted that the current group has battled through multiple injuries. He highlighted that the team possesses the ability to rely on multiple pitchers, a trait consistent with previous successful squads. Meyers has been an assistant coach for nearly 15 years, reuniting with Lindow to help mentor the current players.

The program’s culture, as described by Meyers, extends beyond athletic performance to character development. Meyers stated that the coaching staff’s focus is on coaching boys into men, emphasizing life lessons over scholarships. This approach has resonated with the players, including Tyler Meyers, who served as the eighth-grade manager for the 2023 state team. Tyler recalled the camaraderie and enjoyment of that previous run, noting that the current team shares similar bonds and a willingness to support one another through challenges.

Grady Meyers, a senior outfielder, described his uncle as a mentor and godfather who understands how to coach him effectively. The close family ties, including summers spent together at their grandmother’s daycare, have created a tight bond among the cousins. This familial cohesion is viewed by the players as a key component of their success, mirroring the unity displayed by the 2023 state team. The Bombers will now look to translate this internal strength into performance when they face Winona Cotter in the quarterfinals.