Memories of Western Nevada College Athletics: Thank you Wildcats for being mentors

Editor’s Note: Throughout the rest of 2016 Western Nevada College baseball and softball seasons, which is the last for WNC athletics, the Appeal is featuring columns every Sunday from those who are sharing their memories of the programs.

This community is losing more than a baseball team. It’s losing mentors and role models. Since its inception, the Western Nevada College baseball team has done a ton for this city. From giving us something to cheer for, to showing up at the Little League fields and teaching our youth how to play the game at a higher level. Coach DJ Whittemore and his players have been there for us from the beginning.

As a youth sports coach myself, I’ve had the pleasure of working with these fine young men in many capacities. They have taken time out of their busy schedules to put on youth clinics for some of my teams since my oldest son was 5 years old. He’s built relationships with more than a few of the Wildcats over the years. Many of whom, didn’t even know his name. Whether it was through the nights at the indoor facility where they donated their time, or at the fields where several of the players worked as volunteer umpires, Carter knew and respected these guys. He looked up to them. He appreciated someone with that kind of talent taking time to work with him. He’s 12 this year, and over the past 7 years, we’ve had the opportunity to use the Wildcats’ field on multiple occasions when space was not available any place else. The look on these young boys’ faces when they step out onto that field for the first time is something I’ll never forget. Sadly, they may never get to do it again.

So many of these boys and girls have stated they wanted to play for the Wildcats someday…. Looks like that will never happen now. So I guess the ones who are able to go to the next level are going to have to do so somewhere else. This team is an inspiration and an incredible resource to this community. It will be a sad day when it’s gone. As we sat in the stands last Saturday watching the boys play at John L. Harvey Field, the stark realization came over me this may in fact be the last time I get to see these guys play. My boy’s seasons are gearing up, and free weekends are harder to come by. So Thank You Wildcats, and may your legacy continue on in the hearts and souls you have touched.