Vanguard University

The athlete: Luke returns for his third season at Vanguard…is coming off another solid season after earning a starting position as a freshman…has 85 games under his belt entering his junior season, having started in 70…has recorded 68 hits, 40 runs, 32 RBIs…had a .275 batting average as a sophomore…led VU in with 14 stolen bases in 2006…played his high school ball for Coach Ken Putman at Orange Glen H.S…earned first-team All-Valley League honors…Team MVP…also played football and basketball in high school…has played baseball for 16 years…is a utility type player…came in as a catcher but played mostly first base and outfield the past two seasons…good speed…aggressive baserunner…has a strong arm…hits right, throws right…should be one of VU’s outfielders in 2007…expect him to pick up his leadership role for the Lions…will also be looking to increase his offensive output as a third-year player.

The person: Luke was born on January 20, 1986 in Oceanside, California to his parents Scott and Denise Butler…has two siblings, Cory and Amanda…is an Accounting student at Vanguard…sports hero is Tony Gwynn…loves to eat ice cream…cheers for the San Diego Padres and Chargers…likes the movie “Blue Streak”…watches “Baseball Tonight” and “NFL Sunday” on television…loves the color blue and the number 21…favorite place is San Felipe, Mexico…enjoys reading the Bible…hobbies include fishing and relaxing…thinks that self glorification is the biggest problem in the world…appreciates the friendships and loves the unity on his VU team…has learned from life that it’s not worth it to stay mad…competing in baseball has taught him about self control and the importance of team work…wants to become more like Christ.

His thoughts: I selected Vanguard to play baseball in a Christian atmosphere.  I really like the relationships I’ve built and the community at Vanguard.

Coach Mallernee’s comments: Luke has an outstanding work ethic and leads in that area, especially in the weight room.