Highland two-sport star heading off to join Treasure Valley baseball

POCATELLO — Highland’s Kaulana “Lana” Alvarico has been a standout on the Rams’ varsity football and baseball teams for the past two years. On Tuesday, he put pen to paper committing to play baseball at Treasure Valley Community College.

During a brief ceremony at Highland High School, head baseball coach Christian Colonel spoke about how Alvarico has been the an integral piece to the Rams baseball program and Highland High School as a whole. All college signings are great, Colonel continued, but Alvarico’s is “just a little bit better.”

“He’s been the heart of our program, our pulse — as Lana goes, we go,” the coach told EastIdahoSports.com

Alvarico said he was recruited by TVCC as a utility player, meaning he will not come in the program and compete for a starting job at a given spot in the field, but rather be asked to play everywhere. He said that he hopes to find a regular home, but he is more than happy to play any position, one through nine.

“I’m always ready to play anywhere, any position, and do anything to help the team win,” he said.

That willingness — an ability — to fill the super-utility role, according to Colonel, is one of the things that makes Alvarico special.

“He’s goes anywhere, plays anywhere, and his baseball IQ is off the charts,” the coach said.

During his time with at Highland, Alvarico played just about every position, but shined especially bright as the team’s primary center fielder. On Monday, he was named an All-Conference First-Teamer in center.

Because he is a multi-sport athlete — starring for the Highland football team as both a wide receiver and safety, and formerly a track standout — Alvarico has been part of some great successes with Highland. But when asked which moments or accomplishments stand out above all else, he answered immediately.

First, he said, was the Rams’ March 21 game against Rocky Mountain. It was his first varsity start at pitcher, and he threw a complete games, holding the Grizzlies to five hits and one run to earn Highland its first victory over Rocky Mountain under Colonel — who has been the Rams head coach for more than a decade.

Another moment that sticks out is last year’s district championship. Alvarico holds the 2024 class of seniors in high regard, so being part of that accomplishment for them, he said, was “crazy.”

As to how he wants to be recognized, Alvarico said he wants his name to portray a lasting symbol of resilience.

“If I fail, I’m not going to be upset about it, I’m going to use it as a learning tool — to get better and drive me,” he said.