In this article we catch up with former Eastlake slugger, Detroit Tigers draft pick, Notre Dame Alum, and current Senior Associate AD at the Air Force Academy, Brant Ust. We also feature our current Eastlake baseball Senior star, Thomas Wood. They were thrown a series of questions to give a glimpse into their experience at Eastlake High School, their favorite moments in baseball, and plenty more!

Q: What years were you at Eastlake?
A: I was at EHS from the Fall of 1993 to Spring of 1996 upon graduating. We opened the school in 1993 with only Sophomore and Junior classes, no Seniors. At the time EHS was a three-year HS!

Q: Did you play any other sports besides baseball?
A: I played Varsity Football all 3 years as a Quarterback and Defensive Back. My first start at QB came my sophomore year vs. Juanita and it was the 1st game Eastlake High School played at the new school. Before that we played all of our “Home” games to that point at Redmond HS. We won the game 16-14, and it was Eastlake High School’s first ever football win.

I also played Varsity Basketball for all three years as a Guard.

Q: What is your most favorite baseball memory EVER?
A: Eastlake HS Baseball Memory: Beating Redmond HS (who had won state the year before) at Hartman Park to make the KingCo playoffs in our first year of existence as a program - when we had only sophs and juniors.

Baseball Memory Overall: Representing my country by playing for Team USA as a Collegian ('98) and as a Professional (2005).

Q: Favorite teacher you had at Eastlake?
A: All of my teachers at EHS were supportive and helpful towards achieving my goals of attending a quality academic university and continuing my baseball career, but I'd have to say my coach-educators were the most impactful as it related to my athletic and personal development. They were excellent in developing the skills and abilities needed to play and compete in my sport, but they also provided me with a setting to grow into becoming a man and leader. Currently, as a collegiate athletics administrator, a husband, and father I continue to be informed by the lessons and values instilled in me by Dale Cote, Ray Rodriguez, and Dick Bass.

Q: Most memorable day at Eastlake non-baseball related?
A: Probably the earliest days when it was just Sophomore’s and Junior’s and we were handed this opportunity to create new traditions and build a school's culture and identity amidst a fledgling community while unincorporated King County/Redmond became Sammamish. We had no choice but to be the 'under-dog' but we embraced it, took our lumps early and established a foundation of Eastlake Wolves excellence!

Q: Best advice you could give a student-athlete at Eastlake?
A: Respect the history and traditions of EHS while building upon them in establishing your own legacy.

Q: If there is one thing you know now that you wish you would’ve known then at Eastlake, what would that be?
A: That it would go by so fast and that many of the teammates, classmates, and friends that you made during that time you may never see again after graduation.

Q: Best player you ever played against?
A: In High School: Marques Tuiasosopo from Woodinville HS - I went up against him every year, in every sport, and couldn't shake him, we got his number in Football (believe it or not), I would try to keep him under 20 in hoops, and to this day feel that baseball was probably his best sport.

College/Pro Ball: I played with and against a lot of supremely talented players throughout my collegiate and professional careers.

Q: If you could change a rule in baseball what would that be and why?
A: I'd make all games at all levels 7 innings.

I would want people to remember me as the Senior that they could always come and talk to and get any advice or help they need.

-Thomas Wood, Eastlake HS

Q: What year are you at Eastlake? How many years on Varsity?
A: I am a Senior at Eastlake. 1 year on Varsity.

Q: Did you play any other sports besides baseball growing up?
A: Yes, I played Football and Basketball.

Q: What is your most favorite baseball memory EVER?
A: My favorite baseball memory ever is winning the KingCo championship last year.

Q: Favorite teacher you’ve had at Eastlake?
A: My favorite teacher I’ve had at Eastlake is Ms. Mannion.

Q: Most memorable day at Eastlake non-baseball related?
A: Most memorable non-baseball days at Eastlake are the school dances.

Q: Best advice you could give a young student-athlete at Eastlake?
A: First off, grades are really important whether you plan on playing your sport in college or not, it keeps all the doors open for you. The other advice I would have is don’t get caught up in the politics of your sport. Just go out there and play.

Q: If there is one thing you want people to say about you when you leave Eastlake what would that be and why?
A: I would want people to remember me as the senior that they could always come and talk to and get any advice or help they need—not the scary mean senior.

Q: Biggest role model?
A: My biggest role model is Jack Edmunds. He always would push me to my limit and made me play to my full potential.

Q: If you could change a rule in the game of baseball what would that be?
A: I would change the drop 3rd strike rule.

Q: Do you dip the fries at Wendy’s in the Frosty or no?
A: 100% dip the fries in the frosty.