In this article we catch up with former Eastlake Head Baseball Coach and current Associate Head Softball Coach at the University of Georgia, J.T. D’Amico. We also feature our current Eastlake Baseball Defensive Wizard, Senior Noah Koong. 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 year Eastlake opened in 1993 as an Assistant Coach and then the Head Coach from 1997–2008.

Q: Did you play any other sports besides baseball?
A: I played basketball at Redmond High School and we were back to back 4A State Champs!

Q: What is your most favorite baseball memory EVER?
A: Watching my brother, Jeff, make his Major League Baseball debut at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.

Q: How do you feel Eastlake helped get you equipped with the coaching experience you carry today?
A: Being at Eastlake helped me learn about all the other things off the field it takes to build and sustain a high level program…Booster Club, Administration, Facilities, Off-Season Workouts, and Academics!

Q: Most memorable day at Eastlake in a baseball uniform?
A: Every day in an Eastlake uniform is memorable, as the baseball season is so short.

Q: Best advice you could give a student-athlete at Eastlake?
A: I don’t give advice! The best players want and seek out coaching. Nobody will care about your stats when you apply for a job.

Q: Do you know how many Wolves it takes to make a Pack?
A: 2 wolves to start the pack. The rest of Pack’s numbers depend on pack needs!

Q: If you could change a rule in baseball what would that be and why?
A: The pitchers balk rule. The umpires never call it anyway!

Q: You coach in the SEC with Georgia Softball. Is it harder to hit a softball or a baseball?
A: It’s to hit both! Softball is harder though, as it is only 43 feet away or even closer with release. The ball also legitimately rises!

The best advice I could give to a young student athlete is that your time will come. Keep grinding even if no one is watching and once you get your opportunity make the most of it.

-Noah Koong, Eastlake HS

Q: What year are you at Eastlake? How many years on Varsity?
A: I am currently a senior at Eastlake and this is my third year on varsity.

Q: Did you play any other sports besides baseball growing up?
A: I played golf, basketball, and soccer growing up.

Q: What is your most favorite baseball memory EVER?
A: My favorite baseball memory ever was beating Sumner 13-1 in the State Championship my sophomore year.

Q: Favorite teacher you’ve had at Eastlake?
A: My favorite teacher I have had at Eastlake High School is Miss Hamilton. She brings a passion to teaching that is different from any other teacher I have had.

Q: Most memorable day at Eastlake non-baseball related?
A: A first day of school because just like before a big game I was a little nervous and excited at the same time.

Q: Best advice you could give a young student-athlete at Eastlake?
A: The best advice I could give to a young student athlete is that your time will come. Keep grinding even if no one is watching and once you get your opportunity make the most of it.

Q: If there is one thing you want people to say about you when you leave Eastlake what would that be and why?
A: One thing I would want people to say about me when I leave Eastlake is that when I stepped on the field I played the game the right way and was a hard worker.

Q: Biggest role model(s)?
A: My parents.

Q: If you could change a rule in the game of baseball what would that be?
A: I would change the rule where as a baserunner you can’t take out the fielder on a double play at second base. You would be able to go in hard and slide into the shortstop or second baseman at the bag.

Q: Seattle Mariners 54% this year? Yes or No.
A: Yes

Q: Do you believe in the Baseball Gods?
A: I 100% believe in Baseball Gods. They are always watching.