A different kind of Saskatchewan storm is heading south next fall.
Instead of a booming thunderhead over the prairies, it will be Lanigan’s Graydn Wilson taking his baseball talents to Southwestern Illinois College.
The Going Yard Academy product announced his commitment to the Blue Storm in December of 2025 after continuing to impress college coaches with his development, power and attitude.
“Graydn has earned this opportunity through relentless effort, attention to detail, and a willingness to show up and compete every single day,” Going Yard wrote in their Instagram post about the commitment.
“His progress is a true example of what happens when preparation meets persistence.”
The 6-foot tall, 195-pound first baseman and outfielder is looking forward to take the next step in his baseball journey after he graduates high school this spring.
In the meantime, the East Central Red Sox alum was kind enough to take a few minutes to answer a few questions for our first edition of 1 Thru 9 of 2026.
1. How excited are you to keep the baseball dream going at Southwestern?
I am extremely excited to be continuing my baseball career at Southwestern Illinois College. Playing baseball during my post-secondary education has been a long-time dream and goal of mine, and finally having a clear plan in place is both relieving and exciting.
2. What made you want to go to that school?
I was drawn to Southwestern Illinois for several reasons, including the excellent coaching staff and the program’s recent success. They are coming off a strong year, both in terms of wins and their ability to develop players and send them on to the Division I level. I also have a teammate from Going Yard, Casey Rauckman, who will be there as well, so knowing someone when I arrive will be a great bonus.
3. What do you plan on taking school-wise when you go down there?
Academically, I plan to complete my associate’s degree at Southwestern Illinois, which will help set me up to eventually earn a degree in finance. While I’m still undecided on the exact career path I want to pursue, I value having a strong academic foundation alongside baseball.
4. How did you get into baseball way back when?
I started playing baseball at four years old, beginning with T-ball in my hometown program, Lanigan Minor Baseball. As I got older and numbers declined in town, I moved on to play with Humboldt and East Central Baseball, which has been a great experience over the past few years. I truly fell in love with the game by watching MLB games on television and spending time on the field competing with my friends.
5. Did you play other sports growing up?
Growing up, I played many sports. Staying active year-round was important to both my parents and me. I played hockey from age three to fourteen and also played football, finishing my career this past fall. During the summer, I enjoy golfing in my spare time, and I also plan to participate in track and field this spring.
6. Any highlights or favourite moments of your journey so far?
While committing to Southwestern Illinois is a major highlight, some of my favourite moments in baseball have been the weekend trips with teammates, traveling to compete at a high level, and building strong relationships along the way. Both Going Yard and East Central have provided incredible opportunities to travel and play the game in ways I never imagined when I first joined those programs.
7. What’s been the biggest challenge or hurdle you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome has been shoulder issues. Going through X-rays, physiotherapy, and the time required to heal taught me patience and resilience. Spending time away from the game only reinforced how much I love baseball and how badly I want to be on the field.
8. Any advice or words of wisdom for those young kids just starting out on their own journeys?
If I could give advice to younger players just starting, it would be to enjoy every pitch and have fun, but also learn to move on quickly. Once a moment is over, you can’t change it, so don’t hold onto the highs or lows for too long. Staying present allows you to enjoy what comes next.
9. What does the game of baseball mean to you?
To me, the game of baseball represents growth. As you play and learn more about the game, you grow not only as a player and athlete but also as a person. Baseball teaches lessons about discipline, patience, and accountability that can carry into every part of life if you allow it to.
Tales of Baseball 