Everyone knows that JWP Class of 2026 member and salutatorian Daulton Bauer can ball. In fact, it’s almost better to ask what records he doesn’t hold.
Bauer holds school records in basketball, football, and track and field. He played on the varsity football team for four years, three of them as a starter with some playing time as a freshman. He became the all-time leader in career passing yards and passing touchdowns. In track, he’s been a part of three record-breaking relay teams, helping the team earn two consecutive conference championships.
But some of his greatest athletic displays were in basketball. He holds a school record for most steals in a game and is the top scorer in the program’s history, breaking that record the same day that his brother, Gavin Bauer, hit 1,000 points. He eventually broke 2,000 points, becoming the first boys’ basketball player to hit the milestone. He was a key part of the basketball team’s trip to the Class A state championship, the farthest any Bulldog boys’ basketball team has advanced at state.
Bauer took advantage of trying new things his senior year, too, joining the musical Mamma Mia! and this year’s swing show, and even earning a leadership award for his participation in the former. Oh, and he was the Snow Week king.
While he’s taken his athletics seriously, Bauer has hit the books throughout his high school career. It’s why he’s the Class of 2026’s salutatorian.
Bauer’s plans after high school will be to attend Bethany Lutheran College, where he will play basketball for the Vikings while pursuing a business degree. It’s been a great four years for the soon-to-be graduate, and he gives all the credit to God and the JWP staff.
“Everyone here at JWP is very supportive and easy to talk to,” he said. “They’re here to help you and make sure you succeed.”
Bauer listed teacher and track head coach Sam Schruin as one of his mentors. “He’s very relatable,” he explained. “His classes were always fun, especially freshman year. It’s always entertaining, whether it’s work or not.”
He also mentioned boys’ basketball head coach Nick James. “He pushed me to be the best person I can be. He’s a supportive coach and overall a great guy.”
While the other students had to take a few moments to think of a favorite high school memory, Bauer’s was obvious. “The state basketball tournament was mine,” he said. “I mean, to see the community fill up an NBA arena and show all their support…it was amazing.”
If the freshman version of himself could see the person he became today, he would certainly not stop trying. “I would tell myself not to give up and just keep going. Get your homework done. Go for good grades.”
Bauer will miss the teammates, friends, and coaches he’s had throughout his high school career. But he also mentioned that he’ll miss the community. “I’ll miss everyone who supported me throughout all of high school,” he said. “The teachers and environment were good for me.”
Two things he hopes the Class of 2026 is remembered for are athletics and its humor. And as far as advice to underclassmen goes, he says, “Be involved and try new things regardless of what other people say.”
A high IQ in sports and in the classroom is the making of someone destined for greatness. Bauer will certainly contribute to the Bethany Lutheran boys’ basketball team and be a top scholar. Whatever the business degree brings to your life, the Independent wishes you luck.
