Former Summit High Star Alex Via Returns to the Pitch for Bend Elks

SEATTLE, Wash. – The baseball diamond in the Bend area got a significant boost on Tuesday afternoon. Former Summit High School star and enigmatic right-hander Alex Via received full clearance from the coaching staff at the University of Portland. The green light, as Via put it himself, allows him to significantly ramp up his pitch count during the upcoming fall Classics season before reporting to the Pilots' spring training.

The news was met with genuine excitement by the local baseball community. Summit High coach Alan West expressed relief and validation. "To hear from their coaches directly was important. They know the talent and we saw it every day," West stated. "Alex had a tremendous high school career. His potential is immense, and getting this approval means they believe he can handle the increase."

This development comes after Via declared for the MLB Draft following his stellar senior season for Summit High, where he claimed the prestigious Oregon Class 5A Pitcher of the Year award. Despite choosing to forego a typical college signing period, Via's commitment to the University of Portland remained firm. The Pilots anticipate significant contributions from their new recruit this fall. The confirmation from Portland's coaching staff regarding his returning arm provides the necessary confidence for both the Elks and Via himself to set sights high.

There are significant implications for the Bend Elks. Via, long considered a potential frontline pitcher once he reached the collegiate level, brings not just talent but experience gained during his declaration process. The assumed increase in his workload for the Elks means potentially more innings from a dominant righty looking to refine his mechanics and put his power stuff on display for scouts. Getting the explicit okay from Portland alleviates the pressure on both Via and his Elks teammates. It signals that, within the framework of the independent league season, his arm is sound and ready for significant action.

Fan expectations around Bend were already soaring. Kaitlyn Turnbull, whose older brother played for the Elks in the past and knew Via during his high school tenure, said the news makes her emotional. "It's so exciting. He worked so hard for it, and this is a validation of everything he's done. You know he's going to throw hard and compete," Turnbull added. "It's huge news for the [Elks]."

Beyond the immediate Bend preparations, this green light indicates a crucial next step for University of Portland's baseball program. They need contributions from their new signees, and Via's ability to train closer to his potential under coaching is vital for both his development and the team's depth in the fall season. If Via looks sharp and commands his pitches for the Elks, he could effectively bridge the gap between his high school dominance and his arrival in March for full-squad spring ball in Oregon.

With the University of Portland's blessing firmly in hand, there is a palpable sense of optimism circling Summit High's former ace. For the Blue Claws (Elks) faithful, the coming fall season promises an exciting early opportunity to see Alex Via live up to the hype and showcase what is shaping up to be one of the state's premier collegiate prospects and a vital piece for the future University of Portland baseball team.