| School: Cleveland (Commerce) | Graduation Year: 1997 |
Year Inducted: 2014
Sports Played: Soccer, Baseball
High School Honors: 3-year letter winner in baseball as a shortstop and pitcher, winning All-PIL and All-State recognition as a senior; honorable mention All-PIL as junior. 2-year letter winner in soccer as a junior & senior, honorable mention All-PIL.
Post High School Career: 3-year letter winner in baseball at Linfield College 1999-2001, honorable mention All-Northwest Conference. Played 2 seasons for the Seattle Cruisers in West Coast League 2000-01, earning MVP honors both years.
Commentary:
As I reflect back on my athletic participation there are numerous lessons and people that have played a major role in shaping who I am today. First and foremost I must recognize my parents who encouraged me to participate in athletics and supported me on so many different levels.
Beginning in Little League, my father volunteered to coach the teams I played on and on weekends and in evenings would drive me to the ball field so I could take extra ground balls. My mom, who went back to work when I entered high school, took time out of her busy schedule to show up to all my games home or away, day or night. That support continued into college even when our schedule took us to other states. I am grateful for their enduring support and plan to replicate that level of engagement with my kids.
I also want to acknowledge Coach Robbie Treblehorn who inspired me to put in work outside of the normal practice schedule. He preached to our team that we were always competing against our opponents even if it wasn’t game day. The team that put in the most time and worked the hardest had the best chance of winning when they met head-to-head. That is a lesson has paid countless dividends and I am grateful to learn that when I did.
Last but not least I’d like to acknowledge my teammates. No individual can achieve any level of success without the support of others. Especially during the 1997 season the Cleveland High School baseball team bound together in a brotherhood which propelled all of us to perform at a higher level than we’d previously achieved. I can honestly say that without the support and hard work of every other person on that roster I would not have been honored in this manner. It was a season I will never forget. Thanks!