DIGITAL GCU Today AUG issue

28 • GCU MAGAZ I NE F ire engines and uniform-clad Phoenix firefighters are a common sight beyond the right-field wall during games at GCU Ballpark. Other firefighters who are off duty observe from the stadium while their children hit on the mini turf field, pitch on the concourse and chase foul balls on the berm. But these are more than avid GCU baseball fans. They are former GCU baseball players. More than a dozen are firefighters in the Valley, and they say the lessons learned as student-athletes have transferred exceptionally well to their service-oriented and challenging career. They are drawn to the plethora of similarities between baseball and firefighting: Both require long waits followed by intense stress and physical movement, and both require teammates/co-workers to live and work in close proximity while collaborating and accepting their roles. From captains Brian Imboden, Jeremy Neville and Austin Moreland to newcomer Harlyn Griffiths, “the culture of the fire department is that you have to be able to make good decisions, to be accountable and to work well with others,” Moreland said. “It is all about your ability to make your team better. I think that’s why athletes transition into firefighting very well.” Joey Reiman, a GCU catcher in 2002-03, played four years in the Toronto Blue Jays organization, finished his physical education degree while serving on the Lopes coaching staff, and then made a smooth transition into firefighting, joining his father on Big Red. It was a move Griffiths made in 2016 following an unfulfilled post-graduate stint in technical support. “After spending time out of baseball, I missed being in the clubhouse,” Griffiths said. “I have that now with the fellas and gals in the fire GCU Alumni Former GCUplayers use lessons learned in baseball to blaze a trail B Y T H E R E S A S M I T H Clubhouse to firehouse Among the former Lopes in the Phoenix Fire Department are (standing, from left) Harlyn Griffiths, Joey Bristyan, Ryan Holtorf, Mike Quill and Joey Reiman and (sitting, from left) Troy Holtorf, Trent Otis, Brian Imboden and AustinMoreland. photo by david kadlubowski