Sports

West Linn baseball team finds success through chemistry

Christian Marvin
March 14, 2012

The West Linn baseball team began practicing Monday, Feb. 27, but most of its players have played together for much longer. Fifteen seniors are on the team, and many of them have been on the team since freshman year. It is this sense of community, according to head coach Kevin Mills, that makes them a strong team.

Mills stressed that the roster has a lot of depth, and that no player stands above another. He also said that the strengths of the team include the strong sense of unity and the ability to be coached. He hopes that all of his players “have great work ethic and high standards for themselves, and overall enjoy the process of getting better.’’

Mills looks to the unity of the seniors for leadership. He believes that it is vital for a team to work well together, and that is one feature that his team is especially good at.

Previous head coach Mike Lord stepped down in October, and Mills has found the transition to head coach fun. He enjoys the new responsibility but still relies on the help of his assistant coaches, Bryant Kraus, Casey Mcleod and Scott Burris, and is learning as he goes.

As the new head coach, Mills wants to bring a new coaching philosophy to the team.

“I’m really out there to develop young men, to make better players and better people. Every day I want to bring [the players] a love of the game and a positive, encouraging environment,” Mills said. “My goal is that when the players leave the program, they miss it because it has been such a good experience. I want to help my players reach the next level, in baseball or anything else.”

Last season, the team finished as the co-champions with Lake Oswego for the Three Rivers League. This season, Mills believes that the TRL remains one of the toughest leagues in the state, and that his team will face tough competition. Despite the difficulties, Mills believes that his team has the potential to make a run at a state title.

On March 12 the team played its first game against North Salem, defeating the Vikings 13-1. Its first home game is today against Westview, which is the top team in state and is ranked 49th in the nation.

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About the Contributor

Christian Marvin, Athletics Co-Editor

He aims, he shoots, he scores – basketball is one of many activities that Christian Marvin, junior and Athletics Editor, has an affinity for. In fact, a life full of friends, church and sports is one that he leads daily. With his hands full of engaging activities, in and out of school, Marvin looks forward to an exciting year.

This school year, Marvin has a full schedule on his hands. Physics is his favorite class because it is less rigorous than a handful of his other AP and Honors classes. He enjoys being on Amplifier because he “likes to write and there’s always something to do”.

Though he does not know exactly what path to take in the future, he does know that he wants to try his best in high school and start from there.

“I’m really want to get good grades this year, especially because I’m taking some hard classes,” Marvin said. “I also want to be more involved in service projects too.” At home, Marvin prefers to eat, relax and then do homework. He and his sister have two fish: Marvin’s is Flo, and his sister’s is King Triton. Despite his busy schedule, Marvin always finds time to spend for himself and with his family. Marvin enjoys eating chicken alfredo and drinking root beer and Dr. Pepper as well.

Out of school and home, Marvin is an avid participator in his church. Every Sunday, he teaches kindergarten at church, and attends youth group every Wednesday. In addition, Marvin also goes to Night Strike, a program in which he feeds homeless in downtown Portland.

“I like getting to play with the kids and teaching them,” Marvin said. “The kids are really fun and I like getting to know them.”

As for the sports aspect of his life, Marvin plays basketball. He prefers not to play on a school basketball team, but rather plays for enjoyment. Marvin’s specialty is shooting half-court shots and dunking on a ten foot net. He enjoys playing with friends because it is more fun, and there is a friendly competition.

Marvin hopes to complete his junior year and enjoy his last year in high school. He believes that can get through his high school life with the help of his family and friends. In all aspects of his life, he hopes to be successful and take the next step of his life.