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Church ran 85 to 90 miles a week his senior year hoping
to become a runner. Then as his college career started
at Eastern Washington University (EWU), he hit a
snag and got hurt and was unable to run long distance
again. Then, he latched onto his other love: baseball.
He came to Shoreline last year after transferring from
EWU and loved it ever since. “ I am excited to be here and
like the environment and class sizes are small enough
to get interacting with the instructors.” His plan is to
eventually get a degree in business.”
When Church was growing up in Washington State
his favorite teams were the Seattle Mariners and New
York Yankees. His favorite players are former Mariner
stars such as Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Edgar
Martinez. Church always idolized Griffey Jr. because,
like him, he is left handed and plays center field.
Church’s dad was a high school baseball coach and
Church attended high school games ever since he could
walk. “My dad coached me along my baseball career and
has supported me the whole way,” said Church. “That
was my dream, to play on the team he was coaching.”
They ended up going to the playoffs two years in a row.
According to Church, SCC Baseball Coach Steve Seki
is all about tough love and isn’t the type of guy who
would baby his players. “We do the things the right
way at Shoreline and Seki really exemplifies that,” said
Church.
During practice and in games Church always tries to lead
by example. “He (Church) is one of the leaders of this team,”
said Seki. “He leaves it all out on the field and is a good example
to his teammates.”
“I’m going to play this game as long as I can until someone
tells me I can’t play anymore and that’s what I’m going
to live up to,” said Church
And even though his dream of running cross-country is
gone, baseball is here to stay for Erik Church.
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