WHERE ARE THEY NOW? GEORGE WEST '98

George West is a 1998 graduate of Monmouth and four-year member of the baseball team, where he played shortstop for the program's first NCAA appearance in 1998. The '98 Hawks beat Navy in an NCAA play-in round before heading to Gainesville to play the University of Florida. West was a 1996 All-NEC selection, and still sits seventh in program history in hits (226), runs scored (147) and is ninth in career doubles with 47. He graduated as the programs all-time home runs leader with 30, and is still third in that category, while his 156 career RBI's currently rank sixth.  

What have you been involved in since graduating from Monmouth (job, career, etc.)?
I'm going into my fourth year as principal at Middle Twp. High School in Cape May County, NJ. I currently coach my 15 year old, Gavin, and my 9 year old, Trevor in baseball at Colossal Baseball Academy. Enjoy watching my boys participate in a variety of sports (baseball, basketball, soccer, and dek hockey).  We are a sports family so my wife, Dorene, and I are constantly traveling somewhere for a sporting event.

Describe your path from Monmouth to becoming a principal and why you chose it.
-10 years as a Special Education Teacher at Buena Regional High School - coached varsity baseball and was an assistant basketball coach.
-6 years as a Vice Principal at Egg Harbor Twp. High School
-Going into my fourth year at Middle Twp. High School as principal
 
What is your fondest playing memory at Monmouth (game, moment, championship, etc.)?
I enjoyed every minute of my four years at Monmouth. The '96 and '98 NEC Conference Championships, the 98 NCAA Regional play-in series at Navy and the '98 Regional trip to Florida, competing against Florida and Illinois.  What a great group of guys, and an amazing coaching staff.
 
If you could give advice to a current Monmouth player, what would it be?
Take advantage of all the opportunities Monmouth will grant you. Take the time to build and foster relationships with different people. Maximize your time, be short-term goal oriented, and be consistent and accountable with your work. 

How did your time at Monmouth prepare you for life after graduation?
Learned how to become a better leader, maximize my time to multi-task, problem solve, and make quick, sound decisions.

Between your former teammates and coaches, who has had the most impact on your life?
The most impact was Coach Ehehalt, for giving me the opportunity to play the shortstop position as a freshman.  He always believed in me, so for me it was simple,  I was going to give him everything that I had for four years.

Have you been able to stay in touch and follow the MU Baseball program?
Yes, I follow through social media.  Also, through phone conversations with Coach Ehehalt and Coach Collazo, they keep up to date on the status of the team.
 
What has changed the most with the baseball program and the Monmouth Athletics department as a whole since your time as a student-athlete?
The program continues to enhance in some fashion year in and year out.  It's a beautiful place to play baseball and the possible addition of the turf field, it will make it that much better. The athletes have the opportunity to work on their craft and improve at their trade with the state of the art strength and conditioning training equipment and the attention to detail provided by Coach Ehehalt and his staff. If successful at Monmouth, players are getting more opportunities at the pro level. The program has a vision and kudos to the administrative team for supporting and working collaboratively with Coach Ehehalt to provide an environment for success.