Redwood High School’s athletics program is well known throughout the valley for not only incredible records, but the decades of dedicated athletes that represent our school.
By: Emma Jenan and Brooke Hacker
While Redwood baseball officially begins in the spring, tryouts and practices have already commenced. These incoming athletes are anxious to get on the field, and filled with anticipation for the season to come.
Ethan Backlund, ‘27, is incredibly eager to begin his high school career. He says that he is, “super excited, I’ve been looking forward to this for a while and it’s pretty surreal.”
While most of these boys have been playing on travel teams for a big portion of their lives, Backlund is excited for “all the competition” that is expected in the high school season. He adds, “It’s a whole new environment than what we’re used to.”
Backlund is an aspiring third baseman for the team, and while he is looking forward to the season, the nerves are still in place. He explains those nerves by saying, “While I am excited, there is still a small fear of messing up.”
He ends on a positive note explaining that mind over matter is a constant thought and nothing can stop him from enjoying his first season at Redwood.
Ethan Guttierez, ‘27, is a first baseman for the Redwood baseball team. Guttierez says, “I’m really looking forward to spending time with the team, I think we’re going to go pretty far this season.”
Guttierez says that he feels that the team is already “pretty connected,” but is eager to see how their bond grows as the season progresses. Guttierez says, “The best part of our team is that we keep each other competitive.” Guttierez has high hopes for the season, but his initial goal is, “Winning EYL.”
Jaxon Franks ‘27, is a catcher for the upcoming season. Franks explains that while focusing on having a successful season is important, maintaining a strong bond with the team is everything. He says he is looking forward to the, “New memories and new friends [he’s] going to make along the way.”
Franks describes the environment as, “fun to be around.” He says, “You know everybody. We have been playing this sport for a long time and it is an environment of what you grew up around.”
For this approaching season, Franks is confident in his capabilities. He says, “I know what I can do.” He proceeds by saying, “I go up there and do what I can.”
Among these boys on the freshman team, coach Casey Weber, is also thrilled for this upcoming season. He describes the team as, “a well rounded group of exceptional athletes, that will compete with anyone at any time. They can beat teams with batting, pitching, defense, and speed.”
He is clear with his goals and says, “My expectations first and foremost every year is for the freshmen to win the EYL championship.” He adds by saying, “This freshmen group has the potential to go undefeated this year.”
Franks shares the same excitement as his other teammates as well as coach for the upcoming season. He says, “We all get along, we don’t try to discourage anyone and we always bring each other up.”
Emma Jenan
Emma Jenan is a '25 second year journalism member of the Redwood Gigantea. She is interested in writing any article, but sports stories are her favorite. Emma is a part of the redwood tennis team, and is a varsity member. You can reach her by email:
emma.je8807@vusd.us
Brooke Hacker
Brooke Hacker '24 is currently a third year Sports Journalist for the Redwood Gigantea.
You can contact her at:
brook.ha4311@vusd.us
Tags: #athletics, #baseball, #freshman, #rhs, #sports, #tryouts