MATTHEW LANE

SOPHOMORE

Matthew Lane was born in Fortuna in 1980. He moved to Holmes when he was in the 1st grade and attended school in Scotia. Beginning in the 6th grade he tried out for basketball team and made it. He didn't play much that year because he never got the skills down too well. That same year Matt tried out and made the little league baseball team, the Braves. He was 12 years old that year and only played one year in little league. Matt practiced all that summer developing his basketball skill, because all of his friends from Toddy Thomas school were into basketball. Beginning his 7th grade year on the basketball team his long hour paid off, now he was a starter and his team took first in their league. Then baseball season came around. Matt played on the Blue Jays for the 13 year old league, his team took 3rd place and Matt made the "All Star" team. Basketball during his 8th grade years was busy, he was selected MVP at the beginning of the season at an HSU basketball tournament. They took second in League play and took a second in the Crescent City invitational and earned an All Tournament award. Baseball was back again and he played on the Orioles (Babe Ruth). They finished in 2nd place and Matt again made the All Star team. They won the District 1 tournament in Yreka, then traveled to Santa Rosa for the District 2 tournament. On graduation night at Toddy Thomas Matt was awarded the "Best Athlete" Award. During his freshman year, Matt played on the freshman basketball team which were co-champs last year. Baseball season again on the Orioles was a 2nd place finish and an "All Star" team where Matt lead off, played center field and short stop. They won the District 1 and Matt ‘s batting average was 600. Basketball has always been his favorite sport, but he does enjoy baseball. He would like to give special thanks to two people that really encouraged him through the years. That would be his baseball coach, Doug Parrot and his 8th grade basketball coach, Preston Fairchild. Matt not only respects them but considers them both to be good friends. Matt is looking forward to some excellent competition playing varsity basketball for the next 3 years at Fortuna High School. In school Matt is getting along with all of his teachers and getting lots of support from them. He would like to thank Mr. Matheson most of all for the extra effort and help he has provide to him this year.