By Michael Carman

Olympic Peninsula News Group

A stabilizing force on the football field, basketball court and baseball diamond for Forks, Spartans’ senior Trey Baysinger has found comfort in his family, learned more about the construction trade on job sites and found a new appreciation for painting through a college art class during the pandemic.

“It’s definitely frustrating at times not being able to play sports and all that,” Baysinger said of state restrictions on prep sports. “But I’ve taken more chances to work, working for my dad [Scott] of SJB Construction. We do fencing, putting in windows, all kinds of construction.”

Accepting the limitations on prep athletics was difficult for Baysinger last spring when he lost out on his junior baseball season and similar thoughts followed later in the summer when it became known that football and all the fun associated with Friday Night Lights in Forks wouldn’t make a return this fall.

Hopeful for season

“I’m still hopeful that we will have a season and still preparing for basketball, football and baseball,” Baysinger said. “Sports connects all of us; but to able to step back and enjoy all that you are able to do, that’s valuable as well.”

A large family, led by parents Scott and Nellie, provides motivation for Baysinger.

“My family keeps me moving forward,” he said. “My dad pushes me a lot to get me out there. Family has been key during this period.”

Baysinger, a 6-foot-1 post, led Forks with 17 points and nine rebounds per game, sharing Class 1A Evergreen League Boys Basketball MVP honors with teammate and fellow senior Tony Hernandez-Flores last season.

He also anchored the Spartans’ offensive line at right tackle as a first-team all-league pick and is a varsity and Wilder Baseball Club player.

Summer play

“During the summer, I got to play with Wilder for a little bit, [doing] workouts, and we got to play in a tournament down in Idaho,” Baysinger said.

Coaches value Baysinger for his work ethic and for being a “laid-back, cool kid.”

“Trey is top-notch. He has grown up, thinned out; and with his athleticism and size with our move to 2B, I don’t know how many players or teams would have been able to stop him,” Forks basketball coach Rick Gooding said. “The progression he has made and would continue to make, at the 2B level, he would have had a great, great senior year in all sports.”

Remote learning

And he has learned what he needs to do to have success through online learning.

“It was harder in the beginning, realizing all the responsibilities are on me,” Baysinger said. “I have to check-in, and it’s more independent. I definitely struggled in the beginning, but I’ve been able to get by.”

He grew to enjoy his college art class, as well.

“I’m not an art person, not really artistic, but near the end, I was enjoying working on my paintings,” he said.

COVID-19

Some COVID-19 time capsule questions and answers from Forks senior Trey Baysinger:

• The song I’ve listened to the most during this period is: “’Excitement’ by Trippy Red. I like Trippy Red; I think he’s a great artist and has a unique voice. And ‘Tequila Shots’ by Kid Cudi. I like the melody; I like how it’s a little bit slower.”

• My favorite TV show to stream during quarantine was: “’Attack on Titan.’ It’s an anime show, its complex.”

• Did you learn any new skills or sharpen any old ones?: “Learning how to work with my hands a little more in the construction industry.”

• What are some things you have done to help feel connected with others?: “Social media keeps us together. Fantasy Football, being able to talk with the boys and enjoy each others’ presence and get that little bit of competition in.”

• Biggest lesson learned during the pandemic: “Things could definitely be worse. My dad has been teaching me to keep a level head and realize that even though this may be a hard time for us and a lot of families, you have to look at the bright side and really appreciate where you are at.”

• What changes have you seen in your community because of this?: “I think we’ve grown closer to each other; we help out each other in need and really come together. Knowing that when you live in a small town, other people have your back.”

• When this is over, or at least properly contained, what activity are you most looking forward to doing?: “Looking forward to going to college in person where I can experience things first hand.”

• What’s your biggest goals for life going forward? “I know I want to go to college, but I’m not sure if I want to go the academic or athletic route.”

Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-406-0674 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.