The Anaheim Ducks were credited on May 12 with inspiring the Spanish Springs High School varsity baseball team in Northern Nevada, according to a message shared by Janel Guthrie, wife of head coach Matt Guthrie. The connection began when the Cougars attended an Anaheim Ducks game as part of their preseason trip to Anaheim, replacing their traditional visit to Disneyland.
Janel Guthrie said the team’s experience at the hockey game had a major impact on their season. “Coach Matt Guthrie was a hockey player who grew up in Anchorage Alaska, and this season he decided that the team bonding experience would be at an Anaheim Ducks game. Many of the young men on the team had never seen a hockey game in their lives. Well, the trajectory of the entire season began with the game they attended,” she said.
Guthrie explained that after witnessing an “incredible comeback win” by Anaheim, her son’s baseball team adopted what she called a ‘winning attitude’ from that night forward. She wrote: “In adversity, be like the Ducks! When behind, be like the Ducks. Their experience at the hockey game ignited their season.” The enthusiasm for all things Ducks spread through Spanish Springs High School as players decorated walls with duck pictures and used duck calls for good plays; one senior even got a duck tattoo.
The momentum carried over into competition as Spanish Springs placed third in its division before going undefeated (4-0) to win its Regional Championship for Northern Nevada—a feat not achieved by the school in 15 years—and earning a spot at this week’s State Title tournament in Las Vegas.
Guthrie expressed gratitude for how much support from afar meant to students: “The overwhelming joy and inspiration that the Anaheim Ducks have provided our team is immeasurable. Greatest thanks to your organization.” She added: “This email was sent without any student athlete’s knowledge, but I wish there were words to express how much this Regional Championship means to them and how the Ducks were central to their success!”
