Aiden Garza and Quade Gonzalez Shine at All-State Games

From Othello to the All-State Spotlight

Two high school athletes from Othello, Aiden Garza and Quade Gonzalez, earned the chance to represent Team Rainier in the All‑State games held June 27‑28. Both seniors had already distinguished themselves with First Team All‑League honors during the spring season. Their qualifying run included a top‑10 finish at the All‑Star game in Richland, setting up the state‑level competition.

Game Day Experience and Team Dynamics

At the All‑State finals, Team Rainier fell short of the championship, but the players gained valuable exposure against top talent. Garza took the mound for three innings, showcasing enough skill to earn MVP consideration. Gonzalez emphasized staying focused and treating each pitch like any other matchup, noting that mistakes are quickly forgotten.

College Paths and Summer Plans

Looking ahead, Gonzalez will join the Walla Walla Sweets for the summer before heading to Seattle University, drawn by its coaching staff and location. Garza will continue with Rein Baseball Club and enroll at Columbia Basin College in the fall, appreciating its proximity to home. Both have committed to studying kinesiology, aiming to apply sports science to baseball.

Inspiration and Future Goals

Garza cited athletic trainer Lauren Sitton as a major influence, crediting her guidance for keeping the pitching staff healthy. He wants to stay involved in the game, possibly coaching in Othello someday. Gonzalez hopes his studies will let him stay connected to baseball and eventually give back to the community.

The All‑State appearance marked a strong finish to their high school careers, helping the duo recover from a tough loss to Selah earlier in the postseason. Their dedication on and off the field underscores a promising future for Othello baseball.