Independence outfielder Chris Meyer (2) raises his glove to catch a fly ball during the IHSBCA All-Star Series on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids.
Michael Baniewicz/The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS – Christopher Meyer retired “Old Maroon” this summer.
The trusty 2013 Chevy Silverado served him well, driving around the Independence area for workouts, practices, competitions and more. The Mustangs’ four-sport standout needed something a little more practical for his approximately 46-mile trip to train at Wartburg four times a week as he prepares to continue his baseball career with the Knights.
“Old Maroon, she did me good for a lot of years in Independence (but) driving to Waverly I got this nice little hybrid that saves me a lot of money on gas,” Meyer said with a laugh. “We got everything we could out of it.”
Before Meyer fully transitions to college, he is putting the final touches on an impressive high school career with the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Series this week. He had a double and made a couple putouts for the Small Schools East team, which beat the Large School West, 3-0, Thursday night at Mount Mercy’s Plaster Athletic Complex.
“I think we got a little chip on our shoulder coming in as a small school, and so to do that to a big West team is a pretty good feeling,” said Meyer, adding, “I know that this is what I’m going to see is the next level. This is just a good intro into college ball.”
Independence outfielder Chris Meyer (2) watches the ball approach the plate during the IHSBCA All-Star Series on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids.
Michael Baniewicz/The Gazette
Meyer also had a couple walks in a 7-6 loss to Large Schools East earlier Thursday at Kirkwood. Small Schools East will play Small Schools West on Saturday at Kirkwood, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
He said he has enjoyed playing in the event, consisting of four teams of notable 2026 seniors.
“It’s really cool,” Meyer said. “You get to play with kids who are putting just as much time, as much work as you have. You get along with them really well because a lot of them are similar to you. You come out here, hang out with them, play the game you love, almost every single one of us going to play the next level (and) we’re still in like kind of midseason form because we’re working towards the fall.
“So, it’s just been super fun and it’s just nice to be around people who have the same mindset as you.”
Meyer’s enthusiasm and work ethic have resulted in excursions on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. He has been exposed to training, expectations and future teammates. It has already been a learning experience, acclimating to the program’s demands.
“It’s been a blast,” Meyer said. “I really enjoy just the culture there and Coach (Ethan) Hayes, our strength coach, is a great guy. I love the guy. He does a really good job, and I’ve been lifting with a former Indee guy, Keegan Schmitt. He’s kind of showing me the ropes and stuff, so it’s been good. I’ve been enjoying that.”
How does Meyer pass the 50 minutes on the road?
“When you drive that much, you gotta mix it up,” Meyer said about the drivetime playlist. “One day, it’ll be rap. It’ll be Drake. The next day, it’ll be some EDM (electronic dance music). Then, it’ll be country. You have got to switch it up a little bit.”
Kennedy first baseman Ty Donels (17) waits for the ball as the Large Schools East team attempts to pick off Independence’s Chris Meyer (2) during the IHSBCA All-Star Series on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids.
Michael Baniewicz/The Gazette
Meyer excelled in multiple sports for Independence. He was a four-time all-Wamac baseball player. He was a three-year starter in football, earning second-team all-state honors as a junior and senior.
Meyer was a two-time state placewinner with a 135 career victories in wrestling, finishing seventh as a junior and eighth as a senior. He contributed to four State Duals teams. Meyer four-time state track qualifier in the 400 hurdles, placing eighth in the spring.
Now, Meyer will be able to concentrate on one sport. He is determined to use the extra time to develop as a baseball player.
“I know there’s a lot of potential out there that I can still reach, considering I can focus on it all four seasons,” Meyer said. “It makes me super excited to just hone in on the game I really, truly love.”
Meyer is joined on the Small Schools East roster by fellow Wartburg commits as South Winneshiek all-stater Braiden Todd and North Butler’s Brody Wangsness. They are able to get to know each other before fall ball begins.
“It’s super fun, getting to know the guys to be with for the next four years,” Meyer said. “They’re great dudes, Braiden and Brody.
“You get to know him a little before you get on campus. kind of got the head start. You got a group of guys you can hang out with.”