Gehrig Turner represents Solon last time at Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Series, excited for next chapter at Wartburg

PELLA – Gehrig Turner appreciates the past and thrilled for the future.

He’s also enjoying the present, which is a bridge between the previous and next phases of his baseball career.

Turner is representing Solon one last time as a member of the Small Schools East roster at the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Series this weekend at Pella High School. He had a single and two RBIs in a 10-9 loss to the Small Schools West on Friday.

Turner will continue to play at Wartburg. He said the transition will be bittersweet after starting four years for the Spartans varsity program and no longer playing with all-stater Brett White and for Coach Keith McSweeney.

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“It’s going to be tough but I’m excited for the next chapter,” said Turner, noting that he can keep some of his Spartan gear and accessories because of the same black-and-orange school colors. “I’m getting a new team at Wartburg.

It’s sad but I’m excited to see what the future brings.”

The three-day event for includes three games and an awards banquet for select seniors from this last season. Baseball is the tie that binds everything together, but the social aspect plays a big part. Turner has liked seeing players on and off the diamond.

“I think the coolest thing about it is seeing all the guys,” Turner said. “You see them on social media. You play with them in travel ball but it’s cool to see them, wearing their high school jerseys and all the good players there are around the state.

“It’s great to play against these guys and just watch them. Then, at the hotels, getting to hang out with everybody you normally don’t get to has been fun.”

McSweeney nominated Turner and said his extraverted personality mixed with his athletic and academic achievements made him a perfect choice to participate. He has heard from coaches and IHSBCA steering committee members praise Turner.

“I’m proud of him,” McSweeney said. “Great on the field. He’s a big team-first guy. He does well in the classroom.

“I knew he’d thrive in this environment.”

Turner was also recognized for his academic career, earning first-team all-state academic honors. Candidates are considered for grade-point average, academic honors like National Honors Society, community service as well as baseball accomplishments. Turner checked all the boxes as well as White.

“That means a lot to me because of how hard I worked,” the IHSBCA first-team all-district and all-Wamac performer said. “I took a lot of hard classes and did a lot for the community. It’s really nice.”

Turner was the starting catcher. He drove in the first run, knocking in travel club teammate Owen Siegert, of West Marshall, in the opening inning. Turner also drew a bases loaded walk in the five-run ninth during a rally that fell one run short.

“Obviously, getting knocks against these good pitchers is something I’ll remember,” Turner said. “I’ve put together some good at-bats this weekend. Hopefully, I can keep it going.”

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METRO TRIO PLAYS FOR LARGE SCHOOLS EAST

Three Metro players started for the Large Schools East against their West counterparts in the second game Friday. West won, 7-3.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy duo Nolan Grawe and Grant Mather took the fresh a week after capturing the Class 4A state championship at Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids.

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Grawe played left field, away from his normal position at third, and Mather was at first. Linn-Mar senior Jackson Mishler started at second base.

All three reached base at least once. Mishler and Mather helped the East build a 3-0 lead in the third inning. After a leadoff walk to Davenport North’s Klayton Bolkema, Grant Mather hit a base hit to center field. Two batters later, Mishler ripped a deep liner to left center field that chased home Waterloo East’s Demaris Henderson and Mather.

They will compete again Saturday. Grawe and Mather won’t be done. They will continue to play next week with the Swisher Legion baseball team that qualified for the Central Plains Regional in Fargo, N.D.

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