Local named to select baseball squad

While many student-athletes spent their holiday break relaxing or playing in the Valley's fresh snow, one Colony High School student was in Australia playing for a national baseball team.

Walter Scott, who played for the Knight varsity squad and Wasilla Road Warrior American Legion squad, last year played for a national select 16 years and under squad in the Land Down Under. Now Scott is headed to Seattle to play with the Sea Dogs traveling team.

"The Australian competition was good and many of the players from the United States are already being recruited by Division I universities," Scott said. "I learned a lot on this trip."

In November Scott was picked up by the Sea Dogs to play in a tournament in Las Vegas. Originally Scott was to play on an Alaska All-Star team, but the squad withdrew days before the tournament.

Following the tourney, Scott was asked to join the team permanately. He has now been added to the Seattle roster as a utility player. Scott expects to play in the outfield, at first base and hit the mound in relief. The Sea Dogs have an indoor facility, train yearround and travel to tournaments across the nation to face the top competition in the under-18 age bracket.

"This is a tremendous opportunity," Scott said. "I'm really looking forward to improving my game."

Scott hit .440 during the tour of Australia. The left-handed hitter drew numerous walks to propel his on-base percentage to .667. Scott played outfield and first base in Australia. The southpaw also pitched in relief.

Since the Valley does not have a fall legion team, Scott played for the East High legion team in late 2003. In six games he hit over .400 with one home run. Scott also fanned 10 batters and did not allow a run in 10 innings of

**-*———relief.

"East really welcomed me with open arms," Scott said.

Scott finished 4-1 on the mound and hit .351 at the plate during the summer for the Road Warriors, as the youngest player on the squad.

"After such great experiences this past year, I'm ready to start the journey with the Sea Dogs," Scott said. "It's what we make of our opportunities that count and I want this one to really count for the future."