Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
CHILLICOTHE — For three years running, Kylee Kellough has blown away opposing hitters.
CREDIT: Jenny Webb/SOSA
That’s not a secret. It’s been well-documented.
The senior flamethrower has led Huntington to 29 wins during that time — transforming a 10-13 mark as a freshman to a 19-5 record as a sophomore. Then, like the rest of the state’s spring athletes, she had her junior season stripped from her thanks to COVID-19.
She’ll — hopefully — have one more season to sharpen her skills. Then, officially as of Thursday, she’ll take those skills to the next level.
Kellough inked with the University of Rio Grande, making a decision made long ago concrete.
“I’ve known for a while now that I was going to Rio. It’s everything that I wanted out of a school,” Kellough said. “Rio has my major, a great softball program, and it’s close to home.”
As a sophomore, Kellough picked up nine wins in the circle and posted a 3.92 ERA. Oh, and she struck out a league-high 90 hitters. That followed a freshman season where she whiffed 114.
“My family, teammates, and coaches have always supported and guided me through my decision-making process,” Kellough said. “They are always pushing me to be the best I can be and have always had my back. I couldn’t thank them enough.”
She hasn’t been an easy out at the plate, either. And that’s by any means. Two springs ago, she led the Huntsmen with three home runs and 18 RBIs.
Now, she’ll join a RedStorm program that stood at 12-12 before the remainder of the 2020 season was cancelled. The year before, Rio finished 36-16 overall with a 17-1 mark in the River States Conference.
“I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to continue my softball career while receiving a great education,” Kellough said. “I feel like this is going to push me to be an even better player and person.”
But first, she’s got one more season to accomplish her goals in the Township.
“I hope we even get the opportunity to step on the field and play my last season of high school softball,” Kellough said. “From my freshman year, my goal has always been to be the SVC champions and make a good run in the tournament. As a senior, I have the same expectations and goals. It’s always important to me to have fun and set a good example for the underclassmen.”