By the time the season closed, Ignacio’s Tucker Ward delivered a big all-state selection, and it didn’t come on a basketball court.
Ward was named to the Class 2A All-State Honorable Mention list by the Colorado High School Activities Association on Thursday.
The senior finished with a team-best .536 batting average. Ward had 27 runs batted in and led the team with a 1.341 on-base plus slugging percentage. On the mound, Ward was equally impressive. He led the team with a 6-0 record with 55 strikeouts and a 2.12 earned-run average.
The Bobcats finished the year 14-5 overall and 7-1 in the 1A/2A San Juan Basin League. Under-second year head coach Robert Miller, it was the first winning season for Ignacio’s baseball team in more than 10 years.
At a school known for its basketball team, Ward’s selection as an honorable mention felt like it came out of left field.
“I was kind of surprised that any of us made it because our team was never given any recognition throughout the year,” Ward said. “But I believe a lot of us were as good, if not better, than some of the other players selected.”
Ward hopes the Bobcats can keep up the success in baseball and that his award might inspire others to come out for the team.
“We can show the younger squad how fun winning is,” he said. “When people see a team that’s willing to win, they’ll want to watch them play.”
jmentzer@durangoherald.com
