KEVIN RAUCH/FOR THE EXPRESS

Bucktail Senior Night 2026 was made extra special for the small school this past week. For the first time this season, the Bucks welcomed senior Xander Shearer, who along with his dad, Keith, and friend and classmate, Colten Fleisher, made the ceremonial trip down the first base line to cheers and smiles of all in attendance. Xander had been a 3-year starter and pitcher for the Bucks from his freshman to junior seasons. In December the 12th grader was injured in a motor vehicle accident that left him hospitalized until just recently. The entire school waited anxiously to waive and welcome Xander home just weeks ago, and were thrilled when Renovo Fire Department personnel took him from the ambulance to be able to see and talk with classmates and friends. Following the senior night ceremony Xander fist-bumped all of his Bucktail teammates, who responded with a 14-13 extra inning win over CMVT. At right, Bucktail seniors honored were, from left, Thomas Craft, Shearer and Austin Mosher.