CENTRAL CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - Central City senior pitcher Avery Wise has thrown more than 600 innings and recorded nearly 800 strikeouts over her career.
Wise said she occasionally gets tired, but has never left a game because of it.
“No, I like to take a W myself. I’ve got to finish the game out,” Wise said.
Wednesday was senior night at Central City; her time with the Wildcats is nearly over.
Head coach Dave Johnson said Wise’s durability has been a consistent asset.
“She’s a kid that can throw a seven-inning game and then come back and throw four, five, six innings in the next game if you need her to,” Johnson said.
Johnson spent several years as Central City’s coach, spent two years at Solon, and returned to Central City in 2022. He has coached this senior class for all five of their years in the program, including Wise, Lacey Squier, Savannah Koch and Sloane Smith.
“They were eighth graders when I came back. So anytime you get to take a class all five years, they’re kind of special to you,” Johnson said. “And that’s one of the reasons that I’m still going this year,”
Four seniors were recognized Wednesday. Johnson said goodbyes do not get easier with experience.
“You get used to them, but they never get easier. But you know they’re coming, right?” Johnson said.
“It’s crazy that five years is already over,” said Wise. “It’s going to be sad not playing with them anymore.”
The Wildcats have secured a winning season, and earned a first-round bye in regionals. They will play at least one regional game at home.
“We’re pretty happy with where we’re at. Now we’re just trying to get a few more wins here at the tail end,” Johnson said.
Wise said the team’s postseason goal is clear.
“I’m just excited how far we can go,” Wise said. “See if we can get to the state tournament because we have not been there for a long time.”
Central City’s last, and only, trip to state was in 1961.
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