FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE) – Former Fresno State infielder Payton Allen has been named the next head coach of the Mt. Whitney baseball program. The ex-Bulldog is entering his first coaching gig. Allen is hoping to implement lessons he learned at Fresno State to his own program.
"Being able to influence these kids just how coaches impacted me, that's my goal... to reach these kids not only about baseball, but about life" said Allen.
Payton played for both Mike Batesole and Ryan Overland while at Fresno State. He learned more than just baseball while being a part of the Bulldog program. "Batesole taught me how to be a better hitter. He focused on my swing and how to get the most out of it. Coach Overland taught me how to be a better man."
"He's a phenomenal coach, phenomenal baseball player, phenomenal human" said Fresno State head baseball coach Ryan Overland. "To lead high school players at that age, with his heart and how he's going to go into it. I'm definitely a Mt. Whitney fan."
Entering his first season as a coach, Payton Allen wants to make the experience fun for his players.
"I want to be a coach that's positive. I want to encourage my team to play their best and not always worry about the results. If you play your best and play your game, good things can happen" said Allen.
Coach Allen won his first game at Mt. Whitney. The Pioneers beat Hanford West 12-1.