The athlete: Zach is back for one more season, after he used a medical redshirt in 2009?before succumbing to illness, was hitting a torrid .385 with 10 hits, one home run, and three RBI in 26 at-bats...stole three bases in five attempts in his eight games played?started all 39 games he played in as a junior in 2008?batted .239 and was third on the team with 32 hits to go with 13 RBIs?started in 42 of his 43 games played as a sophomore in 2007?batted .292 with 45 hits, a homer, 19 RBIs and 28 runs scored?second on the team with nine steals in just 12 attempts and defensively led the squad with 131 assists?earned the starting shortstop position, playing in all but one game in 2006?started 42 games and was second on the team with 10 stolen bases?had 30 hits and scored 17 runs in his debut season?came to Vanguard from Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills, California?2005 graduate who played for Coach Russell Conner at ORHS in the Sierra Valley League?was named All-Metro and All-League?team captain?led ORHS to the Sierra Valley League Championship?also played soccer in high school?has played baseball for a long time?bats right?throws right? athletic shortstop with size, speed and a solid arm?gap to gap hitter with power?is brother of VU teammate Tyson Leighton?should have a great senior season if he stays healthy.
The person: Zachary Beau Leighton was born in Sacramento, California on August 5, 1986 to his parents Brian and Joanne Leighton?is the oldest of three children?nickname is "Z-Beau"?earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, and is now pursuing a Master's in religion?loves to eat Italian food?favorite movie is "Dumb and Dumber" and TV show is "The Office"?roots for the Boston Red Sox?favorite Scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6?loves the color blue and the number seven?enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, mountain biking, and photography?his sports hero is Ted Williams ?most respects his grandfather, who has the greatest servant heart he's ever seen?learned in life that the greatest joy is found in glorifying God?baseball has taught him teamwork, discipline, and self-control?would like to play professional baseball and be a pro photographer.
His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the community.
Coach Grajeda's comments: Z-Beau will be our everyday short-stop and one of our team captains. I feel he has the tools be one of the conference's best middle infielders and have an opportunity to play professional baseball. His mindset and work-ethic warrant the opportunity.
