PORT ANGELES — Karl Myers will slide over a seat in the Civic Field dugout this spring.
Myers, a physical education teacher and assistant coach in the Port Angeles School District, is the the new head coach of the Port Angeles High School baseball team after receiving confirmation recently from the school board.
A former pitcher at Gonzaga University, Myers also has served as an assistant with the Roughriders’ boys basketball, tennis and baseball teams for the past two seasons. He also served as an assistant for the Senior Babe Ruth-level Wilder Baseball club last summer.
District Athletic Director Dwayne Johnson described Myers as a talented young teacher and coach, with a track record of successes, and a wealth of coaching knowledge.
“Coach Myers made a positive impression on the interview team with his enthusiasm, aspirations, commitment and a detailed plan,” Johnson said.
“Karl has the ability to articulate his knowledge of baseball. He is a great match for the Roughrider Baseball program, and we’re excited to welcome him and his family to the Roughrider Baseball community,” Johnson said.
He takes over for Vic Reykdal who went 36-27 overall in three seasons as Port Angeles head coach. That stretch includes a 19-6 record last season which saw the Riders make their first state tournament appearance since 2011.
Myers said he was honored at the opportunity to teach the game of baseball and help his players build their skillsets along with their character in order to “discover their potential in baseball and in life.”
“I am committed to teaching our young men how to play the game the right way, and to be thankful for the opportunity that they all have,” he said.
“This community has a strong baseball tradition; I am excited to have the chance to stoke the fire at the high-school level.
“Our players will give back to the community that has supported them their entire baseball lives and we at PAHS will support the youth levels from Cal Ripken to Junior Babe Ruth in an effort to continue to align all three programs into one high-functioning system.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the future of Roughrider baseball, and the greater baseball community here in Port Angeles.”
Myers also is no stranger to West Coast League baseball, having played for the Bellingham Bells and the Kelowna Falcons.
The WCL’s Port Angeles Lefties will begin play in June of 2017.
“I’ve had some unbelievable mentors along the way that have and continue to support me to this day,” Myers said.
“I’d like to say thank you to my high school coach Derek Bingham, Jim Clem, Gary Hatch and Eddie Poplawski with the Bellingham Bells, Mark Potoshnik with the Seattle Bombers organization, and Mark Machtolf, Steve Bennett, Danny Evans, Brandon Harmon and the entire staff at Gonzaga University.
“They have all taught me how the game is meant to be played and taught and have been phenomenal role models for me during my time as a player and now as a coach. I would not be who I am today without these great men guiding me along the way.”
Myers also was a member of the 2013 West Coast Conference champion Gonzaga baseball team, and was named first-team All-Academic by the conference his senior year in 2014.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
