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April 8, 2009

CANYON, Texas- West Texas A&M catcher, Kevin Els, is playing his last season here in Canyon. With the Buffs already doubling the wins compared to last year, Els last season as the Buffs catcher is already looking strong.

Last year, during his first season at WT, Els shared time behind the plate with current Buffalo graduate assistant Kent Wright, tallying 145 putouts while throwing out six opponents trying to steal. When he wasn't behind the plate, Els stayed in the Buffs lineup as a designated hitter. At the plate, he hit .338 with seven HR's, 10 doubles, and 31 RBI's.

Els graduated from Houston (Texas) Cypress Falls HS and played third base, pitcher, and catcher for the Golden Eagles. After graduating high school, Els played at Tyler (Texas) Junior College helping the Apaches win the NJCAA National Championship in 2007. He was named all-conference and all-region for his efforts behind the plate.

With a new year and a new coach, WT Baseball has turned around for the better, and Els has been able to be a part of that change. Already the Buffs have been able to surpass the number of wins last year, with just over half their season done, the Buffs are 18-24 overall and 11-21 in LSC.

“I feel that we are more talented this year than last year,” said Els. “We play great together and are learning how to string together wins.”

Els feels that head coach Matt Vanderburg has given he and the team an opportunity to be successful.

“He encourage us to play to our maximum ability,” said Els. “Overall, I enjoy playing for him a lot.”

Coach Vanderburg also had a lot of positive things to say about Els.

“Kevin became a good leader this year,” Vanderburg said. “He works really hard, plays hard, and has a good report with the guys.”

Vanderburg said that Els struggled in the fall defensively, but has improved a lot during the year. He also said that Els has always been very strong offensively.

“Kevin has been showing the young guys on the team how to stay focused in the classroom and on the field,” said coach Vanderburg.

Els has a really good piece of advice to give any new freshman athletes or students.

“Enjoy your youth before you get old,” said Els.

Kevin plans on entering the field of geology and becoming a petroleum geologist once he graduates in May, 2010. WT has already surpassed last years wins with the help of catcher Kevin Els.