On February 22nd, Ryan Lincoln was named the Varsity baseball coach at Penobscot Valley High School (PVHS) out of Howland. Lincoln takes over for Ernie Gerrish, who led the Howlers to a 17-2 record and the Northern Maine championship last season. Lincoln is comfortable with the pressure that comes with taking over for a strong program.
“I mean who wouldn’t (feel pressure) coming off a season like what they had,”Lincoln said. “At the same rate I feel very comfortable taking over a program I know was being built off hard work, determination, and giving 110%. Mr. Gerrish did a great job in his short tenure and I’m positive me and him share a lot of the same ideas and expectations from our kids.”
Lincoln has varsity coaching experience at Calais with the boys soccer program and girls soccer at Woodland high school. This is Lincoln’s first Varsity baseball coaching job, however he has plenty of baseball experience, including varsity assistant at Woodland. He was also a standout baseball player at Woodland. Lincoln earned Eastern Maine Sports male athlete of the week on May 20th, 2012. He expects his student/athletes to be students first and to respect the game.
“I expect for them to put academics first and athletics second, that’s what being a student/athlete defines. I expect them to work hard every day, respect their coaches/teammates/opposing players/umpires at all times, and just come to learn and have fun,”Lincoln said. “From me they should expect to show them leadership, show them respect, teach them the sport, and give them opportunities to become not only a great athlete but an even better person.”
The 23-year-old Lincoln is thankful for the opportunity to take over a program that has the community support that the Howlers have.
“When I first heard of the opening at PVHS the first things that come to mind are great area, supportive community, and good baseball history. Having the ability to work with a great set of young athletes and from an area I love struck me in the heart. Class D baseball is where I am very familiar with most teams and have a good background of knowledge. I knew this was the perfect opportunity to build a program at a great school.,Lincoln said “I give my best wishes to Ernie (Gerrish) and thank him for what he did for the PVHS baseball program and the community. Thank you to AD Gerald Hutchinson for bringing me on board.”
The Howlers will also have a new Varsity softball coach. Pat Leonard was hired for that position.
