Mukilteo Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

A year ago, Clarence Trinidad was preparing to take the reins of the Kamiak baseball program.

Trinidad, a 1996 alum, had long wanted to be the head coach. He previously applied twice before he was finally offered the position.

Just days into practices, the season was upended due to the coronavirus pandemic. A season that began with promise ended up being canceled.

A year later, Trinidad is back on the baseball diamond ready for what will be his first full season with the Knights.

"It feels good to be back with the kids doing what I love to do – coach," he said.

This is Trinidad's third stint at Kamiak. He was an assistant coach from 2008-2010 under Steve Merkley, JV coach in 2015, and an assistant for Frank Nickerson in 2016.

"I'm really comfortable. I've been here before," Trinidad said. "It's my hometown. It's more or less my backyard."

Trinidad and his staff decided to keep everyone who turned out for the team in part due to the amount of games that will be played in what will be a five-week season.

"We're going to need as many arms as possible," Trinidad said.

David Pan

Kamiak players dive back to first base during a baserunning drill.

The team's top pitcher is senior Alec Harshaw, who is headed to Doane University in Nebraska. The rotation also will include juniors Ethan Cox and Chris Petersen. Kamiak will look to senior Will Kuntz to be the team's closer.

With the football season wrapping up last Thursday, six additional players will be joining the varsity squad. The players must have five practices in order to be eligible.

Trinidad has yet to make any decisions in the field. "Everything's up in the air. Realistically, we're trying to figure out things for the first time again," he said. "Every position is somewhat open at this point."

Kamiak was scheduled to open play against Cascade Wednesday, April 7, and host the Bruins at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 8. District rival Mariner will not be fielding a varsity baseball team this season, but instead will be playing a sub-varsity schedule.

As per Wesco policy, only home team fans are allowed to be in the stands.