(Neola, IA) — If it was not for the Underwood baseball team, then Tri Center might have celebrated a state tournament appearance in 2025. However, the Eagles beat the Trojans three times including the final game in the Regional finals and Tri Center will have to take solace in a solid 19-5 record. The Trojans only graduate three seniors so there is no reason to think that they won’t contend for a trip to Carroll next year. Especially with Junior Cael Witt back to lead the team — Witt was the workhorse pitcher with 10 starts, a 2.37 ERA and 67 strikeouts. Witt should be in the conversation with the Class 2A all state team comes out this week according to Head Coach Max Kozeal
Tri Center will have to develop some more pitching behind Witt after graduating three senior pitchers. Baker McCarty was used mostly in relief, Trenton Huebner will be asked to throw more, AJ Harder had committed to football camps this summer which prevented him from pitching and Kozeal has other arms in mind as well
Catcher Tristin Gunderson had a big year at the plate hitting .333, 2, 24 was eventually moved up to the clean up spot in the order, Kai Sonderland hit .353 in a limited role, Braden Meyer has shown potential but Tri Center’s season will all come down to beating Underwood next year and finding a way to beating Garrett Luett
Tri Center loses three seniors — Carter Kunze, Cael Corrin, and Lincoln Thomas.
Complete Interview with Head Coach Max Kozeal
