ST. PAUL – When Izzak Warholik started training with the Wardogs High-Performance Group in Lloydminster around three years ago, his family had no idea that it would help lead him to a scholarship at Valley City State University in North Dakota, U.S. to play baseball for the Vikings.
According to Izzak, his father, Kenny Warholik, started teaching and “playing ball with me when I was just a toddler,” adding that “I was probably around six when I joined St. Paul Minor Ball.”
Deziree Warholik, Izzak’s mom, said Izzak played for St. Paul Minor Ball up to U13, and then the U15 Bantam Lakeland North Stars in Elk Point. Then, it got to the point where Izzak needed coaching at a higher level.
She said Izzak went on to play for the U15 Bonnyville Braves AA team, and due to COVID-19, it “kind of put a hold on everything for a bit.” Then, “we heard through a friend of ours that there was this training in Lloydminster, and we took Izzak out there,” she said, referring to the Bulldogs Baseball Academy.
Izzak ended up playing with the Bulldogs’ U15 and was then asked to play for their U18 for a few games. The young athlete then tried out and made the roster for the Prairie Pirates U18 AAA team as a first year and continued his training with the Bulldogs.
In October 2021, Izzak played at the Central Canadian Baseball League’s Inaugural All-Star game in Saskatoon, playing for the west, and won.
Deziree said Izzak’s trainer, Josh Herback-South, was instrumental to her son’s progress. Herback-South is the president and director of training at the Bulldogs, who invited Izzak to train with the Bulldogs’ Wardogs Baseball Legion.
According to information from the Bulldogs, the Wardogs Baseball Legion program “is comprised of the most elite and dedicated athletes in the Lloydminster, Bonnyville, St. Paul and North Battleford area.”
It is a highly intensive and competitive program, where athletes needed to be invited to participate. "It is projected that 80 [per cent] of the athletes in the program will move on to play post-secondary baseball, most with financial assistance through athletic and academic scholarships,” according to the information provided.
Deziree said Izzak has been with Wardogs ever since, traveling to Lloydminster two to three times a week for the last three years to train, and 2023 will also be his third year playing with the Pirates. Izzak will also play with the Pirates’ U22 team this summer as an underage player.
Despite the long commute to Lloydminster to train with the Wardogs, Izzak was determined to reach his goal of playing at a higher level. “With all the time spent travelling to training and games, it can be challenging to balance school and baseball,” he admitted.
His dedication and hard work paid off, earning him the distinction of being the fourth athlete from the Wardogs to commit to a post-secondary program this year.
On Jan. 31 earlier this year, the Bulldogs announced Izzak’ signing with the Valley City State University on scholarship to play for the Vikings. Izzak said that committing to Valley City State University means “all my time and hard work is paying off.”
“Definitely a part of me is a little nervous, but I am excited for the opportunity at the same time,” he said, explaining that for the most part, his friends and family have congratulated him and is “excited for me to have this opportunity.”
Deziree recalled Izzak’s decision has not been an easy one, so when her son finally signed his commitment, “it was a pretty big moment.” She said it was “happy and emotional,” because “it’s been such a big commitment for the entire family” as well.
“Especially Ken, who has been driving [Izzak] back and forth for many time a week,” and all year round. “It took a team to get him there – it took him, his coaches, his family, his school, his teammates – everybody.”
As a parent, Deziree said that for her son’s future, “I just want him to play the sport he loves for as long as he wants.” Kenny agreed, adding, “and get an education at the same time and meet new people.”
“It’s nerve-racking, but I would never stop him from pursuing this, right? So, we’re 100 per cent supporting him and whatever he decides,” said Deziree. The family also gave special thanks to St. Paul Minor Ball for their support.
As he prepares to embark on this next chapter in his baseball career, Izzak also reflected on the journey that brought him so far.
"I would like to thank my family and coaches for all their commitment over the years. Without them, I wouldn’t have had these opportunities,” he said.
Izzak’s contract with the Valley City State University is set to begin in August 2023.
