The Engle boys are taking their baseball career to Huntington University. From left, Jaxon Engle, Gavin Engle, and Max Engle. (Photo by: Kahlina Siemers)
“Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter,” Brad Henry, former Governor of Oklahoma, said.
Westview’s baseball team is home to a family that has kept baseball in the front of their dreams since day one. Reaching great heights, and finding comfort from parents, but also each other set these boys up for success. Seniors Jaxon, Max, and Gavin Engle share a unique family bond with baseball knotting their ties. Jaxon and Max Engle are twin brothers, while Gavin Engle is their cousin. The three of them have been playing baseball since they were 4 years old. “It’s been fun, growing up and playing for the same team since we were four. So, obviously there’s chemistry that comes along with that,” Jaxon said. All three boys nodded their heads in agreeance. They also commented on how they can push each other in a different way and set higher standards for each other. Standards like showing up to off-season training sessions, hustling on and off the field, and being at practice on time. In Max’s words… it’s the little things. “It’s almost unspoken, like we all know what’s expected of us. We have to compete every day. We can’t take pitches off, can’t take games off, can’t take practices off,” Gavin said. “Just holding ourselves to that high standard and being a leader just by example for everybody around us.”
Their competitiveness, grit, leadership, and work ethic has helped their team become stronger. Head Coach, Jason Rahn, has been with the Warriors for fourteen years and has been through many playoff seasons with these boys. The Warriors have played in four straight sectional championships and Saturday, June 7th, will be their third straight regional appearance. “They definitely became more vocal, particularly this year. They’ve done a great job. Even preseason wise, as far as team bonding, it was led by them. So, it’s really cool to see them take charge in that way,” Rahn said.
Jaxon’s favorite memory from this season was their win against Lakeland that sent them into regionals. Gavin’s favorite memory was also their win and seeing everyone putting their body on the line for the team. “Hanging out with the guys. We did bible studies in the season, and we had a pool party. So, everyone’s close. We’re all a band of brothers, we’re all friends,” Max said. The trio loves the challenges of baseball and the work it takes to become better than the day before. And their hard work pays off. Jaxon, Max, and Gavin plan to continue their baseball career together at Huntington University. The boys were fond of the coaching staff there and look forward to extend- ing their years of playing together even more. In terms of academics, Jaxon and Max want to study sports management; meanwhile, Gavin wants to double major in sports management and history education as well as a minor in graphic design. “My hope for them is that they find success in whatever it is they continue to be passionate about. They’re going to grow into quality young men, and I’m sure they’re going to grow as baseball players as well and get to compete in some meaningful games at the college level,” Rahn said. Jaxon, Max, and Gavin are excited for the journey ahead. Walking through a new season of life and baseball together like they have been since day one.
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