Knights Coaches Bring the Energy!

Knight, Lambert, Gordon, Gunderson and Yoon Dedicated to Better

"You never stay the same. You are either getting better or you are getting worse," said former NFL head coach and current ESPN analyst Jon Gruden.

The Corvallis Knights absolutely subscribe to that thinking, and have assembled a coaching staff that works tirelessly to employ process, set expectations, teach and make things better.

Getting better in the summer is critical, to players and their college coaches. Knights coaches are in tune with their partners and are dedicated to developing our players and sending them back home healthy and measurably improved.

While the team has won on the field and is making a run at a WCL title, it has been the collective progress of the players and unique camaraderie between teammates that has made this summer one for the memory books.

This summer's progress and the genuine love between teammates is facilitated by a coaching staff that has done tremendous work in the Knights 10th season in Corvallis.

Skipper Brooke Knight, the longest tenured head coach in the WCL, is the one responsible for making it all work. The ninth-year head coach embraces his duty and continues to excel and stay highly motivated in his position. The Corvallis native is a master at creating an environment of care that instills winning attitudes and pushes his coaches and players to develop as people and ball players.

"This group of young men, in particular, has been the most unselfish group we've ever had. There are some really good people," said coach Knight. "We've been fortunate in years past to have some really special personalities, and players, and these guys are no different. It has been really rewarding to watch the buy-in to process, the love they have for each other, and the collective ego and success taking precedence over any individual agenda.

"Our strength comes in the We being far more important than the Me. We don't just talk about that philosophically, these guys execute it every day. It shows in their preparation, their treatment of one another, and their ability to band together when adversity comes...they hold on tighter and find a way to get the job done. We've come a long way in a short amount of time. We agreed from day one that if we wanted to build trust, we had to all be willing to be vulnerable. From top to bottom, coaches included, no exceptions. With that open forum for learning, and making our share of mistakes along the way, this group has hit their stride, found their respective roles, and succeeded by strength in numbers. Damn proud and hope we can get the job done at the end."

Associate head coach/pitching coach Connor Lambert complements Brooke very, very well. The two have been together now for six seasons.

Lambert does yeoman's work with the pitching staff, as the Knights hurlers once again posted a league-low team ERA (2.64). He also seamlessly assists coach Knight with management duties.

"My experience this summer and over my six years here has been nothing but first class. The Knights are family. I've been treated with loyalty, trust and respect," said Lambert.

"I've been allowed to grow as a coach, make my mistakes and come out better for it. The atmosphere of winning is something that makes Corvallis especially special to me. The challenge to get better each and every summer is something the Knights embrace and I've tried to follow suit on a personal coaching level.

"The guys this summer as a collective group epitomize consistency and have been playing for each other all season. There has been leadership that has emerged and guys have been embracing roles all summer.

"Some guys have had some really nice summers, done things that will propel their careers at their universities. However, I think each individual would tell you that what they have taken most from this summer is how to buy into each other and to strive for the ultimate goal over individual achievement.

Connor's coaching development began in Corvallis in 2011. From here, he's progressed in college baseball from a volunteer assistant at Washington State, to pitching coach at Tacoma CC and to his current position of director of baseball operations at Utah.

"Coach Knight has been an unbelievable mentor. His passion and ability to evolve in this game are amazing," said Lambert. "I've learned so much in my time around him, not just about the baseball side of life but the maturing and decision making. He's a great baseball mind, tireless worker, passionate father, fair/challenging coach, loyal and successful man."

The addition of assistant coaches Max Gordon and Kevin Gunderson, both ex-Oregon State Beavers, has bolstered the staff; significantly enhancing player development and team chemistry. Add Youngjin Yoon for the first three weeks of the season and for the postseason and you have an ultra-dynamic leadership team that is making a positive difference - individually and collectively.

"I am very thankful to have the opportunity to coach with three of the hardest working, and most competitive people I've met," said first-year assistant Max Gordon.

"Coach Knight has done a tremendous job at the helm, and it isn't because of luck that the Knights are so successful each and every summer."

Gunderson added, "the experience this summer has been second to none. In my short time coaching, it has always been about the players and helping them achieve their goals. This summer has been a real treat working first-hand with such a great group of student athletes.

"I have learned so much from the Brooke, Connor and Max. The game of baseball is so in-depth and challenging. Their knowledge of the game has opened up so many new avenues on how I can improve as a coach."

"Gundy has been a great addition to the staff," said coach Lambert. He's done a ton of work with our pitchers pre-game and been very valuable working in-game with our relievers. He brings an understanding of pitching that he is able to pass along to our guys. It's great being able to bounce ideas off him and learning from him myself. He's a big part of the reason why guys like Widell and Burkholder have progressed so much this summer. The diligent work day-in and day-out has really shown on our staff.

"Max is a disciplined coach that comes to the yard wanting to work. He's really done a nice job taking our outfielders under his wing and getting those guys to buy into getting a ton of extra work. Our outfield play has been solid and really stood out these last few weeks which is a testament to Max's effort . Max continually finds ways to learn. I've appreciated being around his personality to push myself personally."

Max played center field for OSU in the 2013 College World Series and Kevin closed the 2006 CWS - bringing home the Beavs first national championship. Since, they have taken their winning approaches and attitudes to coaching. Max is an assistant coach at Feather River College; and was an assistant for the Medford Rogues in 2014 and head coach of the Willamette Valley Brewers of the OCBL in 2015. Kevin is running 503 Baseball (formerly Metro Baseball Academy) and was the pitching coach at West Linn High School the past two years.

"This year has been really special," said coach Knight. "With talented and experienced guys like Lambo & Gundy working with our pitching staff for the past 11 weeks, we have seen genuine growth and development throughout. Our players are fortunate to have two voices, both exceptional at what they do, and how they relay information to young arms.

"Max has been a solid addition to our staff this summer as well, always an over-achiever as a player, he has continued to bring that same fire to the yard, and has done a great job with our outfielders. He's a competitor.

"Yoon has introduced our guys to arm care methodology they have never experienced before, at any level. He has also created an engaging environment with the mental side of the sport. Our guys have embraced his knowledge, and his passion for excellence. His energy is contagious throughout our club."

Player development has never been as good with the Corvallis Knights. Guys are getting better and having fun. For that, the coaches should be applauded for their extraordinary efforts this summer and for consistently pushing, caring and bringing the energy!