Iola High School’s Ryker Curry signed to play college baseball at Pittsburg State in a ceremony on Wednesday.
Curry will be expected to pitch at PSU. Curry plays multiple positions on the high school and American Legion teams.
“Ryker is a great kid and a guy that a lot of kids look up to,” said IHS head coach Ryan Latta. “He isn’t a vocal leader. He is the guy that’s going to do everything the right way. He means a lot to our team in all aspects of baseball. We are going to rely on him a lot. He has three pitches he can get batters to swing and miss on.”
Ryker’s mother, Heather Curry, said, “We are grateful for the opportunity for Ryker to go to the next level. He has prepared for this since he was 7 years old when he started playing competitively.
“I remember the first time he was on the pitcher’s mound as a little kid. He has put in a lot of effort to get where he is. We are excited to see where baseball takes him.”
A big factor in Ryker’s decision was his relationship with Pitt State head coach Bob Fornelli. Fornelli is in the top 15 in Division II in career wins.
“I’m really excited to join the Gorilla family,” Curry said. “I’m excited to play for a really good coaching staff and help them be successful.”
Curry’s fastball averages around 85 mph. Last season, Curry was an all-Pioneer League first-team selection. Last season, Curry was 3-0 with a 2.23 ERA. Curry struck out 37 batters in 22 innings. Opposing batters had a .190 average last year against Curry. Curry also hit for a .367 average with a home run and drove in 20 runs.
“Hopefully we can build on last year,” Curry said. “Hopefully we have a good year and keep working hard and getting better.”
Curry’s family will be able to see him play often, they said, with PSU being only a 90-minute drive away.
“Location was a deciding factor for Ryker. He wanted to stay close to home,” Heather Curry said.
Though Curry isn’t getting a full scholarship — there aren’t many available in college baseball — the financial assistance he will be receiving “will be a big help,” said Heather Curry.
The family is relieved Ryker was able to sign early. Now, they can focus on his senior year.
“He was getting a lot of coaches contacting him,” Heather Curry said. “It was getting a little stressful, so it’s nice that everything is decided. Now we can work towards Pitt State
