Spring brings new beginnings as the flowers start to grow, the sun begins to shine and Barlow starts a new season of sports. In light of the beginning of the season, let’s do a small recap of the sports that are available in the spring at Barlow! The Spring Sports Season began on February 27, 2023 which includes baseball, softball, track and field, tennis, and golf. On the Sam Barlow High School website, the Athletics and Activity section provides a 2022-2023 Athletic and Activities registration form for anyone interested in a sport. It also contains a physical form link for anyone who needs one. 

Let’s take a look at some of the coaches!

Coach Spirlin is in his second year as head coach for the Barlow boy’s golf team. Influenced by his grandfather, David started playing 30 years ago. Before coaching at Barlow, he volunteered as a coach at Camas High School for two years. Hoping to build on last year’s success, Coach Spirlin wants to help his players get better and enjoy the season.

Coach Pate has been playing tennis for 40 years. He started playing in high school on his school’s team and continued to do so throughout college. Going into teaching, Mr. Pate knew that he was interested in coaching basketball and tennis. His goals for this season include- winning the Mt. Hood conference, sending as many people to the state tournament as possible, and having the players improve on their skills while still having fun. 

Coach Hudson is starting his first year of coaching golf. He’s been golfing since middle school, and when the pandemic hit Coach Hudson started playing golf again. “My oldest son and I started going regularly and I remembered why I enjoy it so much!” said Hudson. Mr. Hudson, who was already coaching the girls basketball team, decided to coach the golf team. For this season, he is excited to help his team improve and get ready for the district tournament. 

Coach Strandberg has been coaching for eight years and is in his ninth year of coaching. Mr. Strandberg likes working with kids and coaching gives him the opportunity to interact with kids outside of the classroom using an interest he has. His goals for this season is to help the girls improve by encouraging them to work and play hard while also having fun.  

Mr. Jones is the head coach of the track and field team. Track season started on the 27th and will continue throughout the end of June. Track and field consists of meter runs, hurdles, relays, shot put, discus, javelin, pole vault, high jump and triple jump. 

Brady Burdick is the head coach for Barlow’s baseball team. They started tryouts on the 27th, but have had ongoing pre-season workouts since October.

Rob Gehrke is the head coach for Barlow’s softball team! Last year Barlow placed fourth in the Mt. Hood tournament with a 7-3 win to loss ratio!

As we go into this season remember to look out for game schedules so you can watch your fellow Bruins play their spring sport!