The Lansing High School Baseball program continues its 1st Pitch Club tradition this season, recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact on the Lansing community.
The 1st Pitch Club honors those who have helped make Lansing a place people are proud to call home. Throughout the season, the high school baseball staff invites military veterans, first responders, USD 469 staff members, and community members with a lasting legacy to throw out a ceremonial first pitch before games.
At a recent game, the program proudly recognized Coach Chris Elliott as the evening’s honoree.
Coach Elliott dedicated 41 years to the Lansing School District as both a teacher and coach before retiring in 2022. During his career, he coached a wide variety of middle school sports, including football, boys basketball, girls basketball, track, and volleyball, positively impacting generations of Lansing students.
At the high school level, Coach Elliott built an impressive coaching legacy across several programs. He coached Girls Varsity Basketball from 1983-1985 and led the Boys Varsity Basketball program from 1987-1997. During that time, the Lions captured an undefeated KVL Championship in 1990 and earned a Substate Championship that same year, resulting in the program’s first state tournament appearance in 40 years.
Coach Elliott also coached Varsity Baseball from 1986-1988, leading the team to a Regional Championship and the program’s first state tournament appearance in 1986, followed by a Regional Runner-Up finish in 1987. In addition, he coached Boys Varsity Golf and guided individual golfers to two state tournaments.
Beyond the wins and accomplishments, Coach Elliott’s greatest impact has been the relationships he built with students, athletes, and aspiring educators throughout his four decades in Lansing schools.
Chris and his wife, Joy, have two children, Courtney Rogers and Scott Elliott, and are proud grandparents to Georgia and Duff Rogers and Von and Pierce Elliott.
The Lansing High School Baseball program is proud to recognize Coach Chris Elliott for his decades of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to Lansing students and athletics.