By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

“Getting to Know” is a regular Portage Sports feature created to spotlight the coaches and administrators that are guiding today’s Portage County student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today, we get to know Aurora High School baseball coach Trent Dalton, who is in his third season leading the Greenmen.

Q: Hometown?

A: Logan, W.V.

Q: High school?

A: Logan High School. Class of 2013. Played football (1 year), cross country (1 year), basketball and baseball.

Q: College?

A: Salem University. Undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice in 2017. Master’s degree in Sports Recreation and Management in 2018.

Q: Current occupation?

A: Para-educator at Aurora High School.

Q: What inspired you to become a coach?

A: The love and passion for sports and teaching the game. Knowing that baseball can teach us many life lessons and being able to guide and mentor these kids through the game has always been a goal of mine. I want to prepare these kids for life after baseball. Some of them need a positive role model in their life. I want to be that role model like I once had.

Q: What makes being a coach at Aurora special to you?

A: The community support. The love this community has, not only for baseball, for all other sports, reminds me of my hometown and where I come from. The support throughout the athletic department and all staff members throughout the school is tremendous. They make being a coach at Aurora something to look forward to.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence?

A: I have many people in my life that have been a big influence in my coaching journey. My brother, Bryce, has always been my biggest supporter and someone who shows tough love when I need it. He has always been able to motivate me and guide me in the right direction. Something I am able to bring to Aurora. My father is the one who introduced me to baseball. My love for baseball came from my Pops. He is someone that I can call after games, and he will tell me what he thought I should have done differently or done well. His knowledge for the game is tremendous, and I know that when I speak with him, my knowledge grows. My mom and sister have also been big supporters of me. My sister, Mika, played basketball for three years at Aurora for coach (Erika) Greenberg. Watching her play and seeing the way of the Greenmen, I started to bleed green. My mom is someone I can go to when I am feeling down. She always knows what to say or advice to just listen to God. She is another one that shows me tough love when I need it. Most importantly, she reminds me that God is in control and always gives thanks to Him for where I am standing today. Lastly, my coaching mentor, Addison Rouse. Played for Addy my senior season at Salem and began my coaching career under him for a year while getting my Master’s. Addy is someone I can call, text, etc., when I need coaching advice. He has prepared me in so many ways that I still do not realize. Many of the things we do in Aurora, I have taken from Addy. I cannot thank each of these people enough for always being there for me throughout my life and career. More importantly, I thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your playing days?

A: I actually did hit a few home runs throughout my career. It doesn’t matter the size of the field or how much the wind was blowing. A home run is a home run!

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your coaching career?

A: I came five feet away from Auggie Garrido and was too nervous to introduce myself or talk to him.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: Arrow.

Q: Favorite musical artist?

A: Tim McGraw or Lil Wayne, depending on the mood I am in.

Q: Favorite food?

A: Shrimp.

Q: Best vacation?

A: Spring Break in high school, playing baseball in the Bingo Bay Classic in Myrtle Beach.

Q: Shoutout to former teammates?

A: High school — Stevie Browning, Johnny Morrison, Zac Gresham. College — Cam Hall, Nicco Lollio, Joe Drago, Steven “Paco” Martinez, Zak Wallner  and the 16 strong squad.

Q: Favorite quote?

A: “You can’t dictate how well you play, but you can dictate how hard you play.” — Bryce Dalton

Q: Describe your coaching philosophy?

A: All I ask is that they play hard.

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: Red Lobster.

Q: Favorite teacher from high school?

A: My all-time favorite is Mrs. Epperhart (6th grade History), as well as Mrs. Bennett (high school).

Q: Advice you would give your younger self?

A: Don’t get so caught up in sports. Be a kid, develop relationships and understand that at some point it will end. Actually think about what you want to do when it is over.

Q: Favorite coach from your playing days?

A: My Pops, Mike Dalton.

Q: Coaching resume?

A: Salem University, volunteer assistant (2018); Westlake High School, JV head coach (2019-21); Tallmadge High School, JV head coach (2021-22); Aurora High School, varsity head coach (2022-present).

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: North Carolina Tar Heels, Miami Marlins.

Q: Favorite athlete then?

A: Kobe Bryant and Derek Jeter.

Q: Favorite athlete now?

A: Mike Trout.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: Grounds crew in Logan County.

Q: Family member that always gives you the best advice?

A: My brother, Bryce Dalton.

Q: Halloween costume last year?

A: Jason Vorhees.

Q: Favorite video game?

A: NBA 2K.

Q: Favorite candy?

A: Any type of gummies.

Q: First car?

A: Ford Ranger.

Q: Best friends?

A: Cam Hall, Stevie Browning, Johnny Morrison, Teddy Nelson (passed away in 2020).

Q: Most memorable moment as a player?

A: Winning the Junior League State Championship.

Q: Most memorable moment as a coach?

A: Seeing former players walk across the stage for graduation.