College signs new head baseball coach

Centralia College has hired new coach Rick Skinner to lead the men's baseball program.

Skinner left the head coaching post at Hockinson High School, where his team played against local high schools in Centralia and Chehalis.

Skinner believes the good relationship with baseball coaches from those schools will help in bringing more Centralia and Chehalis baseball standouts to the college.

"He has connections to the area, he knows baseball, he knows how to coach and he is a good fit for the college," said Bob Peters, athletic director. "He is a great addition to our sports programs."

Skinner graduated from Mt. Hood Community College and from Concordia College. He played varsity baseball at both colleges and maintains positive ties with the coaching staff at each.

"The number one thing I want to do is change the attitude of the players," Skinner said. "I know a positive attitude will help them start winning games, especially the tight ones."

Skinner is high on the talent on the current team, as well as players on area teams. "There are a lot of good players in this area," he said. And he is already working to develop those players.

"I plan to hold college-sponsored training camps for a number of age groups," Skinner said. "There will be a major ‘Prospect Camp' for returning players, new recruits, and potential players. Later in the year we will hold age-specific baseball camps for kids from middle school on up."

Skinner has already picked part of his coaching staff and will announce his choices soon.

"A team's positive attitude and willingness to work reflects the style and example of the coaching staff," Skinner said. "If my coaches and I are solid and upbeat, the players will feel our moral support from the very first day and if we work hard they will work hard. That's how winning teams are built."