The athlete: Travis is a four-year senior Lion…has played 102 games in a VU uniform…has started 95 games and tallied 70 career hits…will be VU’s most experienced catcher…big role to guide a steady and deep pitching staff…hit .255 last year with two homeruns, eight doubles, and 12 RBIs…played at North High School in Bakersfield, California where he graduated in 2002…also played football and basketball in high school…was an All-League player in both sports…has played baseball for 15 years…bats right and throws right…has a great arm and is a fundamentally sound catcher with good defensive skills…athletic and strong player…hard-nosed leader…hopes to increase his offensive production as a senior…Westerfeld should be a big factor in VU’s success this season.
The person: Travis David Westerfeld was born on December 17, 1983 in Bakersfield, California to his parents David and Susan Westerfeld…has three brothers Eric, Nate, and Jason…nickname is “T- Dub”…senior in Business Administration at Vanguard…loves to eat steak and potatoes…favorite place is Whistler, Canada…sports hero is Derek Jeter…roots for the NY Yankees…likes to watch “The OC” on television…favorite movie is “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” …favorite number is two…enjoys playing golf and poker…believes the biggest problem in the world is ignorance…feels his VU team is talented with strong senior leaders…competing in athletics has taught him about dedication, hard work, and discipline.
Travis’ closing thoughts: Vanguard is the perfect place to attain an education while growing spiritually. I want people to remember me as a player who cared about his teammates, always showed up every day like it was his last. Above all, to remember that I was the most competitive person on the field, with a contagious enthusiasm that caused others to play at a higher level.
Coach Mallernee’s comments: Travis has gotten better every year. He is a leader on this team and is determined to graduate with a GSAC championship.
