Huntingdon Mustangs Baseball Coach Alan Eubanks was surprised to learn last Wednesday, September 17, that the high school baseball field will soon bear his name.
“When [Director of Schools] Dr. [Jonathan] Kee called me, I was humbled and very gracious for the gesture,” Eubanks said.
The board had voted unanimously to name the field after Eubanks in honor of his 22 years with the program.
Under his tenure, the Mustangs have won 78 percent of their home games, claimed 16 district championships, seven regional titles, and made nine state tournament appearances, finishing as state runner-up three times.
Sixteen of his players have gone on to play college baseball, with one reaching pro status.
“It’s not all about me,” Eubanks said. “If I could put every player’s name and every assistant coach’s name beside mine, I would. Twenty-two years flies by, and everything we’ve accomplished has been because of hundreds of others.”
Coach Eubanks said he was especially moved by messages from former players.
“Getting texts from them last night — that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “You try to build something people can be proud of, something that prepares them for life. That’s always been the goal.”
He also acknowledged the sacrifices his family has made during his career.
“They’ve been through it all too,” he said. “You spend a lot of time with other people’s kids, and that can take away from your own. But coaching also gave me the chance to coach two of mine, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”
Eubanks made clear he isn’t going anywhere.
“We’re not done yet,” he said. “Some folks asked if this meant I was finished, but no.”
He added that “any time our program gets recognition, it comes back to the kids and the families who’ve been part of it. I just hope we keep leaving the program better than we found it.”
Eubanks also looked ahead to the new press box that is nearing completion at the field.
“The old one was special because it was donated, but this one is going to be a great addition,” he said. “It’s going to have restrooms, display jerseys and team accolades, and really enhance the campus as a whole.”
Dr. Kee said a formal ceremony honoring Eubanks and his family will be scheduled once construction wraps up.
“We want to honor him and his family properly for all he’s given to our school system, and continues to give,” Kee said.
