Tradition guides Ephrata athlete

Reid Forrest plans future with his family in mind

EPHRATA — Sports are a family tradition in the Forrest family and Reid, a senior at Ephrata High School, is walking in the footsteps of his father and brother.

Forrest is a pitcher for the Tigers, a quarterback on the football team and point guard on the basketball team and while his athleticism is apparent, so is his dedication to his family.

"My older brother played baseball and when I was little I would always hang out around the field," Forrest said. "I would watch the Mariners and I just haven't quit (playing baseball)."

Forrest's loyalty to his family is followed by a loyalty to his team and the unit they have created.

"If I could play for any team, I'd play on the team I'm on right now. It's the best team I've ever played on," said Forrest. "I've never had more fun on a team."

Having stated his present preference, Forrest went on to say he'd have played for the Red Sox team the year they won the pennant if he could play for any team in the history of baseball.

In terms of his other baseball preferences, Forrest discussed the long ball. "My most favorite part is the long ball and giving up a long ball is the worst part."

Forrest plays both pitcher and outfielder for Ephrata but prefers the mound.

"I feel like I have more control over the game when I'm pitching," Forrest said.

With his senior season sliding into the post-season Forrest is looking at the next stop in his athletic career.

"I'm gonna be a Coug. My dad played football there for four years," said Forrest. "I'm going to hit the weights pretty hard after baseball is over and try to walk on at WSU."

Despite Forrest's usual position in the pocket, he is planning to step out to the side of the offensive line and try for a wide receiver's spot with Washington State.

"I like the physicalness of the game," Forrest said. "I think it's a better showcase of your athleticism."

Forrest was recruited by a few Division II schools but chose to walk on at WSU to try to carry on the family tradition and to be closer to home.

"I visited Holy Cross (in Boston) and it's a different lifestyle," said Forrest. "And it would be hard to not be able to go home for holidays."

Whether Forrest finds a spot with the Cougars or not, he will be bunking in Pullman and spending time with his brother.

"My brother and I are going to start a business together," Forrest said.

In a more lighthearted tone, Forrest said his other career choice would be a rock star, "You get to tour the world and everybody likes you."

When Forrest isn't at practice, school or planning his next move he and teammate Michael Ratigan frequent their favorite fishing spot.

"I eat and sleep (when I'm not playing sports)," said Forrest. "There's hunting and fishing too. It's (life) good in Ephrata. It's what you make it. You learn to create your own fun around here."

Forrest says the secret is to live a carefree life, or rather to have a carefree attitude.

"No one likes a negative Nancy," Forrest said. "That's quoting Michael Ratigan."