Brent Child started his teaching career at Centennial High, pushing a cart while moving to six different classrooms during the day. He kept busy after school coaching middle school volleyball, sub-varsity basketball and taking over the Eagles varsity baseball team. Now, 22 years later, he is looking to slow down a bit.
Child has resigned his position as head baseball coach, but will continue in the health department at the school and as a junior varsity boys basketball coach.
A former educator told me a few years back that Id know when it was time, and thats where Im at now, Child said. Its tough when youre giving up something youve done for years, but this opens up a new chapter.
Much of that time will be spent watching his daughter Maddie, a three-sport athlete at St. Ignatius. He has coached her Catholic Youth Organization basketball teams since third grade.
Child won five Mount Hood Conference titles and was named the leagues Coach of the Year six times.
However, he pointed to summer ball as one of his biggest on-field highlights, taking a AAA legion team to the state tournament one year, and the A legion squad to state the following summer.
Really, the biggest thing is the relationships Ive developed with players and coaches over the years I have so many baseball stories, Child said.
His final season was made more special, as he tracked his alma mater Linfield on its way to the NCAA Division III national title this spring. He came into the Linfield program, as a catcher, in the same class that included current head coach for the Wildcats Scott Brosius. He also had former player Michael Hopp on the squad, as Linfields starting second baseman.
The season gets so busy its hard to get away, but Id go online and check the live updates, Child said. Hopp dropped by the other day to show me his championship watch.