COLONY — Avery Blaufuss’ behind the plate talent came to fruition Monday when he signed a letter of intent to play for McPherson College next fall.
Blaufuss plays both catcher and pitcher for the Crest Lancers and has been instrumental in the team reaching the state championship games the past two years. The Lancers secured the Three Rivers League champions the last two years as well.
“We hope we can progress one step further and win the state championship,” said Blaufass. “You’ve got to take it one game at a time, but we really want to bring the school its first-ever state championship.”
The senior has one of the best arms behind the plate in the Three Rivers League. Blaufuss is part of a strong senior core for the Lancers, including pitcher Trevor Church, who has committed to play for Fort Scott Community College.
Stray balls are the bane of a catcher, Blaufuss noted.
“I think that if you don’t have a decent catcher the team takes a big hit,” Blaufuss said. “If somebody spikes a ball and it goes past the catcher, that gives somebody a free base and then all it takes is one hit, an error or something else to let that run score. One run could decide a state champion or going to regional. It’s just those minor things in baseball that make a big difference.”
The whole picture of transferring to McPherson has Blaufuss excited: New coaches, playing a higher level of baseball, making new friends and exploring new places.
Blaufuss credits his parents and coaches for helping him become the ballplayer he is today.
“My mom and dad used to just go out and play catch with me, hit a baseball and make it fun,” said Blaufass. “My recreational and travel coaches both put the love and the passion to play it in me.”
Blaufuss singled out Crest head coach Roland Weir’s contributions.
Blaufuss earned First Team Three Rivers League honors as well as being named an Honorable Mention All-State catcher by Sports in Kansas last season.
At bat, Blaufuss had 20 hits and drove in 14 runs for the 2022 season. Blaufuss had a .317 batting average, including three home runs, and a 2.10 ERA and 4-1 record on the mound.
Blaufuss said he hopes his teammates think of him as a valuable asset and a hard worker.
“I’d hope they would say I’m fun to be around and that I make the team better,” he said.
