Media Advisory Gresham Baseball Announces Head Coach (PDF)

Gresham Baseball Announces Head Coach
Justin Barchus to lead in 2016
GRESHAM, Ore. -- Justin Barchus will take the helm as the first ever Head Coach for
the Newly announced West Coast League Gresham baseball team for the 2016
Season. The announcement was made by team owners Jerry and Lisa Walker.
“We believe Justin is the perfect coach to lead Gresham in 2016 and for many years to
come,” Jerry Walker said. “He brings a perfect blend of many tremendous qualities that
will benefit Gresham baseball as we build its future.”
Barchus, a native Oregonian whom currently resides in West Linn, was the Head Coach
for Capital City Select, one of the premier College Prep travel teams in the country, for
seven seasons (2008-2014). Under his tenure the team posted an incredible overall
record of 206-83-5 (.718 winning percentage), and completed seasons with USSSA
national rankings of 6th, 18th, 1st and 4th respectively through 2011-2014. Barchus said,
“Our goal for Gresham baseball will be to build and maintain character, integrity, and
community through our actions on and off the baseball field. Volunteerism in the
Community will be a huge aspect of our program; the ability to build and maintain
respect and an understanding of what it means to take action in the community. We’ve
placed over twenty players in College programs across the country, many at the highest
levels possible and plan to use that player network to stock Gresham baseball with the
very best players in the nation.”
Barchus got his first taste of West Coast League baseball this last summer as he guided
the Klamath Falls Gems. Though the on-field record (12-41) did not meet expectations,
the experience it provided was very valuable. "We had a tough season in every way, but
as I tell my players it's how you respond to adversity that counts. With that experience
we are much better prepared and know what to expect, the Gresham team will be very
competitive this season," said Barchus.
"We are proud of Coach Barchus. He is the epitome of everything we have promised that
we'll bring to Gresham. He has class, his honesty and integrity are second to none. He,
and his players, will represent this team and this city in the manner that we will all be
proud of," said Lisa Walker. "Last season was just an anomaly for us all, Justin is a
winner!"
Barchus has experience as a College level player and he also served as a Pitching Coach
from 2009 through 2011, at Keizer’s McNary High School helping the team compile a
48-32 record. His tutelage helped decrease the team’s earned run average by nearly a run
per game and led the pitching staff to an impressive 2.67 ERA over his three seasons with
the Celtics.
"Justin brings an ability to connect with college players and has a complete understanding
of the recruiting process. He built the Capital Select program to #1 in the nation on the
basis of networking with players and coaches, and maintained its high level through

retaining players and parents that respected the way they represented themselves. His
outstanding communication skills and his ability to create a positive identity for Gresham
baseball coupled with his commitment to create and maintain community ties weighed
heavily in our decision to bring Justin on board,” commented Jerry Walker. "Leading his
team through this past difficult season while winning the coveted League's coveted Jim
Dietz Sportsmanship Award says it all, Justin is simply a winner in every regard."
“Justin is also a certified trainer and his training and nutrition plan will be a great addition
to the program. This knowledge will be a valued asset in preparing our players to be
ready to compete on the field,” concluded Lisa Walker. Justin is currently at the
University of Illinois as a strength and conditioning coach for the football program.
Fans and businesses wishing to get on the Priority List for season tickets and/or
marketing opportunities with the team, should also email greshamwclbaseball@gmail.com
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