Shawn Alton has officially been named manager of the Emery High School baseball team, it was announced by school officials earlier this week.

“I am excited to take over the program,” Alton said Thursday on KOAL’s Drive Time Sports. “Coach Gordon did such a phenomenal job with the program and putting Emery High back on the map as far as baseball is concerned.”

Alton, an assistant on the team for the past six years, will replace longtime manager Steve Gordon, who led the program to two state championships. Gordon was forced to step down from the position after being named principal of the high school earlier this summer, replacing Larry Davis who was appointed to the position of superintendent.

“It’ll be easy to take over a program that Coach Gordon has set up, but difficult to fill those shoes,” said Alton. “I’ve looked up to him as a mentor and a coach, and I feel like I can take over this program that he helped create and continue the success.”

Alton, a former third baseman and catcher, graduated from Emery High School in 1993. After returning from his LDS mission in 1996, he continued his baseball career at Snow College. Following the 1997 season he transferred to the College of Eastern Utah for his sophomore campaign, where he played under former manager Eric Madsen.

Alton says he has no plans to change any of the philosophies and strategies that have helped Emery become perennial contenders. Current assistant Dave Hreinson will continue to serve as an assistant for the program. Alton has yet to decide on the remainder of his staff.