A 6-4 defeat to the Central Kitsap Cougars in the first round of the Class 3A state tournament is something the Eastside Catholic Crusaders varsity team has been thinking about the past nine months.

Eastside Catholic senior outfielder Taylor Wright, who will play baseball at Oregon State University next season, is determined to help his team eclipse last season’s performance on the diamond this spring. The savvy senior left-hander follows the one day at a time mantra to the max.

“I think definitely our first goal is to win Metro (League). That is the big goal we are working toward and then we want to get into state and see how we can do. If it sets up right, a state championship would be awesome,” Wright said with a smile. “We will take it game by game and tournament by tournament.”

Wright said he verbally committed to Oregon State just prior to the start of his junior season in August 2014. The senior outfielder said he has already cultivated a tight bond with Oregon State head coach Pat Bailey.

“In baseball it is very common for people to commit early. They (Oregon State) have such a great program and a great coaching staff. Coach Bailey calls me almost every Thursday night and we talk about school and baseball. He is like a second father to me for sure. He really supports me in everything that I do,” Wright said of Bailey.

Recently, the Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter had an opportunity to ask Wright a few questions outside of the baseball diamond.

Issaquah Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Taylor Wright: “Interstellar.” I love space. I’m really all about that stuff. It is just so dramatic to me. It is pretty cool.

IR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

TW: In school when teachers run their fingers along the chalkboard. It gives a screeching sound. I don’t know why but it makes my back tingle. It is really annoying.

IR: What is your favorite eatery in Sammamish?

TW: It is the Sammamish Cafe. It has everything that you need there and has classic food.

IR: Who was your idol growing up?

TW: Ken Griffey Jr. I watched all of his videos and highlights. I went to see him play a couple of times. I thought he was the coolest guy.

IR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

TW: I love hiking.

IR: Who was your favorite athlete growing up?

TW: Matt Hasselbeck (NFL retired quarterback).

IR: Who is your pick to win the NBA title this June?

TW: The Golden State Warriors. They are dominant. They have everything they need on that team. They are so hot right now that I don’t know how anyone can stop them in a seven-game series.