Success isn’t measured by the number of wins tallied at the end of the season, but in the personal growth for Trojans infielder, Matt Page.
A program that counts its accomplishments both on scoreboards and in classrooms finds itself in an un- familiar position in 2012, as Skyline baseball currently looks at a losing record midway through the season. Despite the team’s rough start, Page insists that Skyline baseball has kept him ahead in his development as a leader on the team.
“In its own way, baseball has helped me grow in more areas than just my performance on the field,” said Page. “I feel that a lot of people see the losses and form an opinion, but I know we’re going to get better. If you want to be the best, hard work comes first.”
Before suiting up for the Trojans, Page enjoyed a successful high school career at renowned athletic powerhouse Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo. During his time with the Padres, Page’s play on the field helped him gain recognition as a highly-ranked prospect under coaches Pete Jensen and Greg Gianinno.
In 2009, Page etched his name in Serra baseball history as a member of the 30-win Padres team, a school record that even Barry Bonds’ Padres team couldn’t match. In his final season for Serra, Page ended his high school career with a .406 batting average, .530 on base percentage, and a slugging percentage of .516.
His skills translated well to the junior college level under the guidance of the Skyline College coaching staff. Head coach Dino Nomicos believes that Page’s dedication will create opportunities for him beyond Skyline College.
“He will be able to play at the next level, which is our goal with him,” said Nomicos. “He’s matured mentally, physically, he’s bought in [to the system], and he does well in school. He is a guy that will be able to play at a high level, so it is just finding him the place to play next year.”
Sophomores Julian Merryweather and Justin Chapman have noted the growth in Page’s leadership this season as well. Merryweather has shared a locker room with Page since their time at Serra, and notes the leadership qualities that has a tributed to his success.
“He brings good leadership qualities,” shared Merryweather. “He’s a leader on the field. He’ll tell people where they need to be. He’ll remind me to get over to first base, stuff like that. He’s vocal, supportive.”
“He leads a lot by example,” said sophomore shortstop Justin Chap- man. “He’s always out there doing his job; he’s a good leader.”
In a game against City College of San Francisco earlier this season, Page led the Trojans going 4-for-4 at the plate which proved to be key in helping Skyline end pre-season on a high note. Page leads the Trojans in hits this season.
Now in his final year at Skyline, Page plans to continue playing base- ball, though he hasn’t made a definite decision as to where that will be. He stresses that there is still a job to be done at Skyline and plans on finishing strong while still wearing the Trojans uniform.
“I don’t have a school I’m set on going [to]. Right now Skyline base- ball is where my focus is. I’m a very positive person and am confident that everything will fall into place.”
