by Cory Cruz
Staff Writer
Whether he is volunteering, hanging out with his friends or playing baseball, 22-year-old Pat Murray keeps his senior year busy and on track for a successful future.
For the last 15 years, Murray has played the sport he loves the most, baseball. He also played four years of basketball while attending Montclair High School. Murray went on to play baseball his freshman year at Cal Poly Pomona, then transferred to La Verne, where he now plays first base for the Leopards.
“I came to ULV because I liked the size of it. Cal Poly’s campus was too big and I couldn’t get the personal attention that I have gotten here at La Verne,” said Murray.
One of his highlights while at La Verne was being a part of the baseball team that won the NCAA Division III national championship last year.
“Pat is a quiet, unique and distinguished player whose talents contributed greatly to our successful team,” said senior Eddie Bustamante, Murray’s teammate last year.
Murray likes the old style of baseball, as exemplified by Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams.
“Back then they played because they liked to play, and not for the money,” said Murray.
Out of all the players in baseball in recent years, Murray thinks that Tony Gwynn and Wade Boggs are a couple of the best, because of their hitting abilities.
When Murray is not playing baseball and being an athletic trainer for ULV, he does a lot to keep himself busy. He has volunteered at Casa Colina Rehabilitation Center, helping patients in the Physical Therapy Department. He is currently working part time at Roynon Elementary School, helping children do various things during their lunch hour. Murray’s major is physical education with an emphasis in physical therapy. He is currently enrolled in teaching credential classes so he can have something to fall back on.
After graduation, Murray plans to go into the Coast Guard as an officer because he has a degree.
Murray feels he had a very stable upbringing. He has three older sisters, and his parents who have always been his biggest fans.
“My parents are always my biggest supporters. They cheer me on when I am doing good and they make me feel good when I’ve done bad,” said Murray.
Even though he thinks that there are many good teachers at ULV, Murray feels that the two people that have influenced him the most are Head Athletic Trainer Marilyn Oliver and Assistant Athletic Trainer Paul Alvarez.
“They have always been there for me whenever I needed advice and they were always willing to help me out,” said Murray.
Through it all, Murray knows what is most important.
“We are all here at ULV for one reason, and that is to get an education. Everyone should stick it out and get their degree because having a degree will be vital if you want a good job,” he said.
Cory Cruz
