![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
![All smiles. The group poses for a photo with last year’s book, “This is Our House,” along with their award for third Best in Show. Meikle, who was an Editor-in-Chief for the yearbook last year as well, holds both and stands at the center of the group. “That was an amazing feeling, going and grabbing the third place award,” Meikle said. “All of it paid off. I cried so much over that book, being able to receive [the award] was one of the highlights of my high school career, it was like the coolest thing ever.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/8bookpose_philly-1200x800.jpg)
In a month that has been associated with turmoil for the Varsity Baseball Team, stability has returned with Kevin Mills, who was named new head coach on Friday, Oct. 28. Mills, who is also a math teacher at West Linn High School, was chosen by a committee consisting of parents, players and administration members.
“I was called into a meeting and they asked me if I would be interested in the head coaching position,” Mills said. “My initial reaction was excitement to take on the challenges of being head coach.”
The decision to name Mills head coach came a little less than a month after the Oct. 4 resignation of previous head coach, Mike Lord. Mills plans to continue the success of his predecessor by bringing an open coaching environment to the team.
“My coaching philosophy is to create an environment where players are continuing to get better, setting goals to improve upon and having fun doing it,” Mills said.
Mills’ experience includes assisting with the summer baseball program at Tigard High School and coaching as a Varsity assistant at West Linn for three seasons. With the majority of last season’s starters returning to the team, Mills has high aspirations for the team he is already familiar with.
“I have high expectations because of the talent level of the players returning,” Mills said. “I already know the players and how hard they are willing to work to reach their expectations.”