LONGVIEW — It took two extra years, but Eric Lane got his wish.
The former Port Angeles High School three-sport star received a scholarship offer from Division I Gonzaga University to play for its baseball team next spring.
The Lower Columbia Community College sophomore is being offered a half-scholarship by the Bulldogs.
His teammate, Sequim’s Ben Grubb, also is being noticed by bigger schools.
Lane, though, is set for Gonzaga.
“It’s not totally official right now, but they sent the letter of intent in the mail,” Lane said Saturday.
“I’m really excited about it,” he said. “Gonzaga is not doing really well right now, but last year they finished 22nd in the nation.”
Gonzaga has a young team this year and things are going in the right direction, Lane said.
“It’s hard to pass up,” Lane said about the offer.
Lane is batting .481 at Lower Columbia with a .734 slugging average and .527 on-base percentage.
He also has four home runs, eight doubles, two triples and 29 RBIs.
“When I did well last year I realized I could play at the next level, and this year rolled around and I started playing really well,” Lane said.
“I never really thought I would be here, it kind of surprised me a little bit,” he added.
Going to community college helped prepare Lane for Division I baseball.
“I wasn’t ready to play Division I baseball at the end of high school,” he said. “This was the perfect step for me.”
Lane had received some interest from Oral Roberts and the University of Portland earlier this season, but it didn’t work out.
A fast start this season for Lower Columbia helped Lane get noticed by the bigger colleges.
Lane plans to play second base for the Zags.
“They said they need a second baseman and a center fielder, so that’s the plan,” he said.
Lane plans on majoring in history and education.
“I just want to be a teacher and coach,” he said.
Sequim standout
Grubb also is getting interest from colleges.
Grubb is batting .450 with a .617 slugging average and .600 on-base percentage for Lower Columbia.
Lane and Grubb are the top two hitters for Lower Columbia, respectively.
Grubb also has two homers, four doubles and has scored 18 runs. He has 16 RBIs.
