Trio of Wasilla seniors will continue their baseball career together at the next level

WASILLA — Kyle Graham, Austin Robertson and Taylon Ottinger grew up playing baseball together.

Now they have the opportunity to compete at the next level.

Together.

The three Wasilla High seniors, who were recognized during a ceremony May 2 at Wasilla High, will attend Dawson Community College in Glendive, Montana, and play for the Buccaneers.

“I’m proud to be able to see them go to somewhere together,” Wasilla head coach Ken Ottinger said during the ceremony. “To see these three go off and play somewhere is amazing.”

Ottinger said for each this comes as a reward for players who have continued to work to put themselves in the position to earn a chance to play college baseball.

“They’re three kids who have been told since Little League there’s somebody better,” Ottinger said. “They’ve really, really worked their rear ends off the last four years to pass people and prove hard work pays off.”

Ottinger said each player has done the right things, such as continuing to work, doing well in school and staying out of trouble. He said it’s also an example that benefits do come to those who do it the right way.

Graham, Robertson and Ottinger helped Wasilla win Southcentral Conference titles during each of their first three seasons with the Warriors. Wasilla is expected to be in the hunt for another region crown this year.

Ottinger projects Graham as a corner outfielder at the next level, most likely left field. The head coach sees his son Taylon as a middle infielder, potentially second base. Ken Ottinger said he’d like to see Robertson start his college career as a middle reliever on the pitching staff.

Graham, Robertson and Ottinger will also be reunited with former Wasilla teammate Hank Boyer at Dawson. Boyer, the 2017 Southcentral Player of the Year, is a freshman pitcher with the Buccaneers.

“I got to go with a couple of my friends to play at the next level. It’s an easier transition, especially so far from home,” Ottinger said. “I’m proud to be able to see them go somewhere together.”

Graham, Ottinger and Robertson were among 11 Wasilla High senior athletes recognized during the school’s annual signing ceremony. The group also includes Jewel Fleckenstein, who will play softball at Williamette University; Reilly Devine, who will play men’s basketball at Mount Marty College; Christion Alexander, who will wrestle at Grey’s Harbor;

Azlyn Brandbenburg, who will play women’s basketball at Colorado Mesa; football players TJ Laumatia (Allen Hancock College); Aeron Milliron (Montana Western); Sean McDermott (Culver Stockton) and Thomas Rivera (Trinity Bible College).

For more on Fleckenstein, Alexander, Devine, Brandenburg, Laumatia, Milliron, McDermott and Rivera, see stories about their commitments at frontiersman.com/sports.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.