Senior catcher Andrew Mora has helped the Ankeny Christian Academy baseball team to a 29-5 record. The Eagles advanced to the state tournament for the first time in program history by posting a 12-10 victory over third-ranked Saint Ansgar, the defending state champion, in a Class 1A substate final on Tuesday at Mason City.
Mora, the team’s leadoff hitter, is batting .371 with two doubles and 29 RBIs. He has stolen 22 bases in 25 attempts and has scored 40 runs.
Here is some inside info on Mora:
Congratulations on making it to state. How does it feel to become the first ACA team to accomplish that goal?
Thank you, it feels beyond amazing. Going into that substate game I feel like our team, especially our guys who have been on the team for a few years, were able to experience the heartbreak of the last two seasons and really had that on our mind because we didn’t want to experience that again. We wanted the win, and part of that came from wanting to do it for all the guys from previous years who deserved to be at the state tournament. Every one of us on that team knows some of our (previous) teams deserved it, so it was motivation to do it for all of our guys who were supposed to be there and deserved to be a part of the first ACA team at state but never got the chance.
Was that a fun ride home from Mason City?
The ride home was fun, but with this group it really always is because we take care of business when it comes to the game and then we all get food on the way home and usually play among us as a team which can get heated but is usually fun. It’s just really easy to have fun with these guys because we’ve been playing together and been friends outside of the game for so long.
For you behind the plate, that was a long three-hour game played in some fairly hot conditions. Were you pretty exhausted afterwards?
Yes, absolutely, I was pretty tired. But our team has had the privilege of being in some long battles like that game (earlier this season) so I feel like we’ve been conditioned well to be able to get the job done in games like that. We never have a doubt that we can and will come out on top.
There were so many big plays in that game. What do you think was the biggest one that allowed you to pull off the upset?
It’s hard to choose because there were so many moments that everyone on our team contributed like always, but if I had to choose one moment where I knew we had it in the bag was on the triple by Tyson (Fincham in the fifth inning). That’s one thing I love so much about this lineup hitting-wise is that everyone is a quality hitter and isn’t an easy out at all. To be honest with you, I think Tyson is the best No. 8 (hitter) in all of Class 1A. I mean, he really just attacks pitchers and is just a true competitor. I was texting him earlier that day and I told him, ‘I feel like you’re going to have a big day today,’ and he did exactly that.
Your starting pitcher, Lucas Erickson, made it through the first three innings and then later returned to the mound to get the final six outs. Were you confident that he could halt the Saints’ rally?
I was 100 percent positive he could hold them, without a doubt. Lucas and I have been playing together since we were about 11 or 12 years old, and that dude really does handle high-pressure situations like a true professional with full confidence so it’s really a blessing to have a guy like that on my team for so long.
One of your Bluegrass Conference rivals, Moravia, also qualified for state by knocking off No. 2 Martensdale-St. Marys. Do you think maybe your conference has been underrated?
I definitely think so. I mean, year in and year out there are competitive teams for sure, but I feel like sometimes it can be overlooked so it’s going to be great seeing two teams represent our conference at the tournament. I’m definitely looking forward to it.
Your team will take a 10-game winning streak into the state tournament. What has been the key to your success over the last few weeks?
I think our success just comes from our love for the game and each other and confidence in each other, but first of all (it comes from) God. I always think about a saying my dad always tells me before I play that is from the Bible that talks about doing everything in your life for God and not for man. I think we may have been overlooked by rankings and such, but we haven’t let it affect our play because we aren’t playing for approval of others and we know we are a very dangerous team.
Your team will now play third-seeded and fifth-ranked Mason City Newman (26-9) in the quarterfinals on Monday at 11 a.m. at Carroll. Have you ever been to that stadium, and do you know if there is anything unique about it?
I don’t know a whole lot about the stadium because I haven’t been there yet, but I’ve heard it’s a great small town Iowa baseball kind of environment so I’m looking forward to getting out there on the field.
Mason City Newman is a program with a rich tradition. What do you know about the Knights’ squad, and what will be the key to beating them?
Well, we know that they have a history at state and and know they are a solid team especially hitting-wise, but we definitely know they are beatable. Me and the rest of our guys have full confidence in our team in all areas of the game, and we have full confidence that we can take them out for sure and take this run further 100 percent.
Mason City Newman dropped a 10-4 decision to Saint Ansgar on July 1, so does that give you confidence that you can beat the Knights as well?
To be honest it’s helpful for prepping knowing they have played against another good team that we have played as well, but I think our guys know how good we are and we have full confidence in the Lord and the abilities he’s given us to go out on the field and beat anybody no matter who they are.
What are your plans for next year? Are you headed to college, and will you be playing a sport?
The plan for the fall is to go to DMACC for paramedic/police/firefighter studies. I won’t be playing any sports in the fall, and after that I’m open to wherever else God may take me.