coaching . They all want to win and couldn ’ t agree more with all of them . They are some of the best coaches in NEA . I can always have a talk with Coach Hogard and Mr . Connor during practice time but Coach Campbell , when you step into the gym , you better throw the “ play mode ” out the window .”
Durham ’ s baseball coach , Ben Hoggard , described how much of a joy it is to coach him . Durham also gets it done on the diamond as an outfielder , pitcher , and top of the order guy . “ Thatcher has truly been a coach ’ s dream ,” he said . “ He is a great baseball player and he has worked really hard to make that happen . He has made game saving catches , pitched really big games , and got on base when it mattered most but the thing I appreciate most about him is how he has handled himself over the years . His instinct if things aren ’ t going well has always been to work harder and that has helped him develop into one of the best outfielders I have seen in recent years . He is the kind of ball player I want here at Riverside . He is going to have a great senior year and he deserves it .”
But before he is ready to step on the field , Durham is hoping to help lead his team to Riverside ’ s first ever state championship in basketball . He has the drive , focus , and now more determination than ever having already brought home a state championship this year . That has lifted Durham ’ s confidence even more , as well as his leadership role on a team that many consider as one of the favorites to be in Hot Springs .