Ankeny Centennial’s Lucas Bruhl is a two-time state placewinner on the wrestling mat.
His future, though, is on the baseball field.
The senior shortstop has verbally committed to play next year at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City. He announced his decision on social media Monday.
“I visited a few other community colleges and a couple NCAA Division III schools for baseball as well,” said Bruhl. “After considering my goals, I decided that junior college baseball was the best path for me! After meeting with coach (Josh) Merrill at NIACC, I knew it was the right fit. He holds his players to a high standard on and off the field, and as a player I have a lot of respect for him and his staff.”
Bruhl started all 38 games for Centennial last season. He helped the Jaguars to a 30-8 record, the best mark in school history.
Bruhl batted .309 with six doubles and 17 RBIs. He led Centennial with four sacrifice bunts and five sacrifice flies.
Bruhl also stole a team-high 15 bases in 16 attempts. He was named to the CIML Conference third team at a utility position.
Bruhl will be joining a NIACC program that posted a 24-29 record last season. Former Ankeny player Ben Sandvig is a freshman outfielder on the Trojans’ roster.
“I believe the program will continue to improve, and I’m very excited to contribute to their success!” Bruhl said.
Bruhl is getting ready for his final wrestling season. He placed sixth at 138 pounds in the Class 3A state tournament as a sophomore, then went 44-3 and took third at 145 as a junior.
“It was a tough decision (to give up wrestling after this year),” Bruhl said. “It has always been a big part of my life and will be hard to leave behind, but baseball has always been my favorite and I have always dreamed of playing Division I baseball. With wrestling season starting, I am pumped to leave it all out there one last time. This will be my last chance to bring home gold and make history for Centennial wrestling!”
