June 8, 2019
Center Grove Edges Leo for Record Seventh Crown
Center Grove captured its state record seventh state championship in perhaps the unlikeliest of ways.
The Trojans (28-3) scored an unearned run in the first inning and made that stand up for a 1-0 victory over Leo.
The run came after a walk, a stolen base and an error each coming after two were out.
Center Grove then rode the back of pitcher Abby Herbst, who fired a three-hit shutout, striking out 12 Leo batters and walking none.
While Center Grove has won the most championships in state history, it is the first under coach Alyssa Coleman – who took over the program this season after guiding Speedway to the Class 2A title in 2018. Coleman became the first coach in state history to lead two different schools to state championships - in back-to-back seasons no less.
While Herbst proved mighty in the circle, she had a hand in the game’s only run. Herbst walked with two out in the first and was replaced by courtesy runner Sydney McConnell. McConnell stole second base before clean-up hitter Lexi Fair sent a long fly to right field, which was misplayed allowing McConnell to score.
Leo, coached by Ben Shappell, also had a stellar pitching performance from Ashley Miller. Miller also allowed only three hits and only one Center Grove batter got past second base after the first inning.
The Lions (25-2) got two hits from Kiley Patterson.
Leo's Ellenor Schelm wins Class 4A Mental Attitude Award
Members of the IHSAA Executive Committee announced Ellenor Schelm of Leo High School as the winner of this year’s Mental Attitude Award in Class 4A Softball.
The award is annually presented to a senior participant in the state finals who best demonstrates mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability and is nominated by her principal and coach.
Schelm, the Lions' first baseman, was a two-time team captain, three-time All-Conference, and an Academic All-State selection. She graduated in the top 10 percent of her class and was a member of the National Honor Society. She also played on the Leo volleyball team.
She is the daughter of Chris and Holly Schelm of Leo, Ind. and will attend Ball State University to study Nursing.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance presented a $1,000 scholarship to Leo High School in the name of Ellenor Schelm.