Lynx Senior trio guide young talent to state

TROY MILLS - North Linn Coach Travis Griffith was like any optimistic coach at the start of the season.

He recognized the potential in a small roster dominated by eighth-graders and freshmen. In addition to the young talent, Griffith also had a trio of seniors - the team's only upperclassmen - to provide direction.

Jacob Rawson, Clinton Prier and Justin Voss have helped guide the Lynx to a postseason run that resulted in their first berth to the Iowa High School Athletic Association state tournament. Seventh-seeded North Linn (34-10) faces No. 2 Van Buren (29-0) in the Class 1A quarterfinals Saturday night at Principal Park in Des Moines, starting at 7:30.

'These three have done a good job mixing the young with the old,” Griffith said. 'With such a young team, we needed someone out on the field leading them. They have done a great job.”

Their roles were discussed but they didn't need much prodding to take the reins. They shared their experience and focused on setting a good example.

'We all felt we had to be leaders and step up this year,” Prier said. 'We are one of the first to the field, keeping everyone on track during batting practice.”

At this time last year, the Lynx were checking in equipment. Now, they will check in to take the field of a minor league ballpark against the state's only unbeaten team.

'It's pretty amazing, considering nobody thought we could make it this far,” Rawson said. 'We have a pretty young team. They didn't think we'd be mature enough to pull out some of the games we have. I think we have impressed some people.”

They are excited to play under the lights with the Capitol in the background.

'It's going to be crazy and awesome,” Prier said. 'I can't wait to step on that field.”

Each of them took different paths to this destination. Rawson was an all-district catcher, who set a school record in doubles this season. He is second on the team with a .411 batting average with 60 hits, including 17 doubles. More than his offense, Rawson has mentored a pitching staff that includes three eighth-graders and two freshmen.

'He's catching pitchers still learning the game at the varsity level,” Griffith said. 'He's having to do that for them.”

Griffith said Voss serves as an energy source and more of a vocal leader. He has transitioned from a supporting role to full-time cleanup hitter in a year. Voss devoted time in the off-season to improve his hitting, working with a swing coach.

It paid dividends. He has a .302 average with 40 RBIs, ranking second behind Rawson's 48.

'I'm not the fastest or strongest, so I knew I had to put in more work than some other kids,” Voss said. 'I knew that I might need to hit more than last year.”

Prier was determined to be one of North Linn's top bats this season. He owns a .368 average with 49 hits and 29 RBIs. Prier also has five wins as a pitcher.

'He's soaked up baseball his entire life,” Griffith said of Prier. 'I'm happy for him to have this kind of season to close out his career.”

If there was ever a senior meant to mesh with a group of pre-high school teammates, it is Prier. He was the first eighth-grade player that Griffith pulled to the varsity level. Prier related to their situation, offering encouragement and advice.

'I was really nervous,” Prier said. 'I didn't talk to many of the seniors at all. I made sure to try to be good friends with eighth-graders and freshmen over the year so they felt comfortable and a part of the team.”

The Lynx were loose for their final practice before their state debut. They attempted to catch fly balls behind their back during batting practice and closed with a home run derby.

They have bonded over the summer. They held a camp out after their substate championship win over Jesup. They have spent countless days together, holding numerous team meals.

'You do become close with each other when you're together almost every single day,” Voss said. 'It's been a lot of fun to be with these guys.”

A state berth has capped a good school year in North Linn sports. Griffith praised the results of football, wrestling and track and said this adds a nice bow to a successful class.

'Baseball has been the exclamation mark of the year,” Griffith said. 'All boys' sports surprised everyone in what they could do.”

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com