Warsaw Community High School graduate Luke Delp has committed to transfer to Grace College to further his golf career. Photo provided

By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – Three area prep stars revealed their college athletic intentions Thursday in virtual announcements.

Luke Delp, Warsaw HS, Butler University, Grace College men’s golf

After stepping away from competitive golf, the Warsaw graduate is returning to the course that he once had success. Delp, who attended Butler University in 2019-20, signed with Grace to reinvigorate his golf career.

After playing on the Stonehenge course as a Tiger, Delp returns to the course as a Lancer. Delp helped Warsaw to a sectional title in 2017, where he shot a 77 in the championship, then followed up with a 77 in the regional.

In a statement, Grace men’s golf head coach Denny Duncan noted, “After a year at Butler, Luke missed golf and has decided to further his education and golf career back in his home stomping grounds. Luke returns to his home course at Stonehenge were we are thrilled to have Luke on our team.”

Sergio Lira Ayala, NorthWood HS, Des Moines Area Community College baseball

NorthWood High School senior Sergio Lira Ayala has committed to play baseball at Des Moines Area Community College. Photo provided

In a different way, Ayala hasn’t played prep sports for a year. Ayala, however, wasn’t given the chance as last year’s spring baseball season was canceled. So the NorthWood senior stayed sharp with his club team, Indiana Chargers, and stayed committed, ending up in Iowa signing with the Bears.

Ayala’s sophomore stats for the Panthers had him post a .385 OBP including 13 hits and 14 walks, knocking in 10 and scoring 13 runs. He had two doubles, a triple and a homer in his 60 plate appearances for the Panthers. Ayala played his freshman year with Bethany Christian High School.

NorthWood head coach AJ Risedorph noted Thursday afternoon, “There is no question that Sergio is a great talent. However, what makes this so special is the amount of adversity he has had to overcome to receive this opportunity.”

Kam Salazar, Wawasee HS, Marian University baseball

Wawasee High School senior Kam Salazar has committed to play baseball at Marian University. InkFreeNews file photo by Mike Deak

Like Ayala, Salazar didn’t have a junior year to showcase his talent at the prep level. But a ton of summer ball, and continuing to thrive as a student-athlete at Wawasee afforded Salazar the opportunity to further his baseball career.

Salazar’s sophomore year at Wawasee saw him lead the team in several categories, including hits (29), doubles (11) and triples (2). He also scored 18 runs, knocked in 14, and in five pitching appearances, was 1-2 with 16 strikeouts in 28 innings of work.

Kam, who will follow in his father Joe’s footsteps as a college baseball player, was also recently named an All-Conference performer in football and will lead the basketball team this winter in Syracuse.

“Kam has been a solid player at the high school level,” said Wawasee head coach Brent Doty. “He’s one of the guys we never have to worry about. He takes care of his business off the field, and when he is with us in baseball, he works as hard as anyone. He’s perfectly suited to play at the next level, and should do very well at Marian.”