Senior catcher Nick Severson helped lead the Ankeny Centennial baseball team to a 30-8 record. The Jaguars set a school record for most victories in a season.
Severson batted .463 with two home runs, 12 doubles and 27 RBIs. He struck out only eight times in 123 plate appearances.
Here is some inside info on Severson:
Congratulations on an outstanding season. Is it hard to believe that it’s over?
It’s very difficult to end the year that way, especially with how close all the guys were.
Obviously, your team’s 5-1 loss to Ames in a Class 4A substate final on Wednesday was not the outcome that you expected. Do you think Ames was better than you thought, or was it just not the Jaguars’ night?
Ames was ready to play. I felt confident with our one run we had and how Joey (Oakie) was pitching, but they just had the right hits at the right time and I don’t think they walked a batter–maybe one or two–and that’s very impressive.
You had two hits off Ames pitcher Carter Geffre, including a triple in the third inning that led to your team’s only run. Even though Geffre allowed nine hits, what was making him so effective in working his way out of constant trouble?
He just pitched a heck of a game. We hit him well and weren’t worried, but even after our big hits he kept his cool and didn’t miss his spots. My hat’s off to him.
It seemed for awhile, though, that your 1-0 lead might hold up because of the way Oakie was pitching, since he took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before the Little Cyclones rallied. Do you feel like his stuff was as good as it has been all season?
Joey is hands down the best pitcher in the state, and he’s shown that all year. His stuff was as good as always, and it showed throughout that game and then Ames just got hot at the right time, which is what they needed.
Your team still had a great year, highlighted by 30 wins and tying Johnston for the CIML Conference title. What was the highlight for you?
The highlight of my year was (the second game of a doubleheader on June 26) at Johnston, where we were down by two runs with two outs in the top of the seventh (inning) with no runners on and rallied all the way back to take a three-run lead and win the game.
Will you watch any of the games at the state tournament this week?
I’ll most likely watch some of the games, but it’s always bittersweet to watch it while not being in it. One of my college teammates is in it so I’ll be following him.
Three teams from your conference–Johnston, Dowling Catholic and Southeast Polk–made it to state. Would you like to see one of them win the title, or does it not matter to you?
I’d like to see Dowling win, just because that’s my college teammate’s team. But it would be cool to see a lower seed surprise the state.
You are headed to Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge to play for the Tritons. When do you leave for school?
I leave Aug. 22.
You mentioned your future college teammate. Did the Tritons sign some other players in your class that you’re familiar with?
They have signed some kids from Valley and Dowling, and a few others I’ve got to meet. It’ll be exciting, and I’m excited.
Is it your goal to potentially move on to a Division I program?
Yes, that is the goal. I will be working to get there, and Iowa Central will do a very good job helping me with that dream and that’s why I am going there.
What are you planning to study in college?
I am planning to study business agriculture.