Luke Roth, a 25‑year‑old former Clatskanie High School graduate, has been appointed head baseball coach for Knappa’s Logger team, bringing a fresh vision after a season that saw the program finish 10‑14 and place fourth in Special District 1.
The Logger program’s 2026 campaign was marked by a 10‑14 record, a fourth‑place finish in the district and a sixth‑place showing at the Babe Ruth World Series after winning regional play in Canada, a result that highlighted both the challenges and the potential within the squad.
Roth’s coaching journey includes stints at Rainier, Oregon Tech, Amity and Scappoose, where he honed a philosophy that prioritizes individual player development and mentorship, aiming to connect with each athlete both on and off the field.
Having grown up in the same region, Roth shares a deep personal connection to Knappa, where he previously mentored incoming senior Oliver Stevens, and he credits former Clatskanie coach Ryan Tompkins and his staff for shaping his approach to leadership.
Knappa Athletic Director Jenny Smith expressed enthusiasm for Roth’s experience and the direction he promises for the program, noting the coach’s ability to build on the talent that helped the team secure four state championships under former coach Jeff Miller.
A New Era for Logger Baseball
Looking ahead, Roth plans to work closely with interim coach Tim Miller, maintain a dialogue with Jeff Miller, and leverage the program’s rich history while fostering a culture of growth that could restore the Logger baseball team to its former prominence.