Friday’s varsity baseball game at Escalon High will likely take a backseat to the ceremonies on the field prior to the start of the actual competition.

Longtime teacher and coach Greg Largent, who is retiring this year, will suit up for his final game as head coach for the varsity Cougars on the diamond.

A pre-game ceremony is scheduled for May 6 at Bob Loureiro Field at 3:45 p.m. on the high school campus, prior to the Trans-Valley League finale between visiting Modesto Christian and the host Escalon Cougars.

All in the community are welcome to attend the festivities.

Largent started as an assistant coach for the varsity Cougars in 1983, working with then-head coach Bob Loureiro. Largent began teaching at El Portal Middle School in 1990 and over the years has been a head coach for both the freshman and JV boys basketball teams at EHS, in addition to coaching the varsity girls softball team, serving as a varsity football assistant and, for the past 17 years, leading the varsity baseball team. During that time, the Cougars have captured multiple TVL championships in addition to Section and state honors.

It’s hoped that former players will be on hand for the ceremony and EHS Athletic Director Nate Bartelink said everyone in the community is welcome to come out for the special event.

“The ceremony is to honor Coach Greg Largent for his countless contributions to the athletic department over his coaching career that spans across five different decades,” Bartelink noted. “All are invited to attend.”