Tyler Provost said he prides himself on being a versatile utility player on the baseball diamond. During his two seasons on the Gavilan College baseball team, Provost saw time at catcher, first base and pitcher
Tyler Provost prides himself on being a versatile utility player on the baseball diamond. During his two seasons on the Gavilan College baseball team, Provost saw time at catcher, first base and pitcher.
“Tyler was one of those players who was willing to do whatever was best for the team in order for us to compete,” Gavilan skipper Neal Andrade said. “He was the consummate team player.”
Provost’s ability to adapt also carried over to his studies and reflected in the classroom. And that balancing act paid dividends.
Provost earned a second-team All-Coast Conference selection following the 2010 season and also held a 3.36 cumulative grade-point average by year’s end. That combination led to the Gavilan Department of Kinesiology and Athletics to choose Provost as the recipient of the 2010-11 Student-Athlete of the Year award, which was presented in conjunction with Famous Dave’s Legendary BBQ at a ceremony Monday night.
“There were a lot of people who deserved it. I was surprised,” Provost said. “The award is a huge honor.”
Provost said he recognized early in his two-year stint at Gavilan that finding a comfortable mix between school and sports would benefit him in the long run.
“It was rough, but I mean, you have to do what you have to do,” Provost said. “The main goal is to get an education and I’m lucky that I get to play baseball while I’m doing that.”
His efforts did not fly under the radar.
“For him to not only get his associate degree, but also take care of his responsibilities as a member of the baseball team is awesome,” Andrade said.
Provost’s playing days are far from over. The San Benito High alum is headed to Patten University in Oakland to pursue a business degree and another two years lacing up the spikes.
“I’m going to get an education and still play the game I love,” he said. “I’m living the dream right now.”
Last season, Provost hit .313 with 16 RBI with a .422 slugging percentage. Filling a void in a depleted pitching staff, Provost recorded 33 strikeouts in 12 games. He was selected twice as Scholar-Athlete of the Month and made the Dean’s List twice as well.
During the course of the year, Gavilan awards one player from each sport in session as Scholar-Athletes of the Month. This year, 21 athletes were distinguished with the honor, which includes a certificate courtesy of Articulate Solutions and a $25 gift card to Famous Dave’s. In addition, each students’ name is etched into a plaque that is displayed inside Bud Ottmar Memorial Gymnasium.
The Rams 2010-11 Scholar-Athletes of the Month recipients
September: Emily Tonascia (Volleyball), Chris Archuleta (Football), Alex Castillo (Soccer). October: Melissa Avila (Volleyball), Jeff Roberts (Football), Rafael Baca (Soccer). November: Avrielle Walker (Volleyball), David Tapia-Padron (Football), Victor Zepeda (Soccer), Christian Camacho (Basketball). December: Matt Galindo (Basketball). January: Tyler Provost (Baseball), Stephanie Doting (Softball) Davontea Johnson (Basketball). February: Drew Davidson (Baseball), Kristy Pineda-Chavez (Softball), Colten Alvers (Basketball). March: Kevin Hatchett (Baseball), Shayna Osuna April: (Softball), Tyler Oertle (Baseball), Danielle Payne (Softball).
