Churchill Athletics have seen quite the comeback after the 2020-2021 school year, which saw almost little to no real competition outside of the extremely shortened spring season. Starting off the year varsity football caught fire exploding out to a surprise 8-3 record and a playoff berth, the hot streak has continued over the success of both the boys and girls varsity basketball teams along with the hockey team capturing another state championship. However, do not expect the accolades to stop rolling in anytime soon as WCHS’ next star athlete will be landing here next fall. 

Transfer Earl Gomes, the son of a diplomat, will be attending WCHS for the 2022-2023 school year. A rising senior standing with a staggering 6’3, 225 pound frame, Gomes is a multisport athlete who prides himself on his baseball skills. Outside of baseball, Gomes is also elite in sports such as curling, Irish hurling and riding equestrian. 

“While obviously baseball is my main focus I don’t let that hold me back. I’m adventurous and always looking forward to trying new things, I’m really looking forward to seeing all that Churchill has to offer,” Gomes said. 

Churchill will be the eight high school Gomes will attend, however it will be the first public school. Gomes has bounced around from school to school for varying reasons: relocation due to parents’ work and multiple disputes with school lunch ladies. 

On the field Gomes excels at nearly everything.

“I feel like on the baseball field I can do anything I’m asked of at a high level,” Gomes said. 

A true “five tool player,” he can play all across the diamond. In the infield he has got hands as smooth as butter and soft as pillows, that paired with elite footwork from his youth as a professional tango dancer Gomes can play all positions at a high level.

 In the outfield his range and elite right arm strength allows him to make plays applicable to that of Nationals outfielder Juan Soto, who is one of the players Gomes most looks up to. All of this goes without even mentioning his prowess as a pitcher. Gomes possesses an elite fastball that has been clocked upwords of 149 kmh, along with that Gomes has mastered a mysterious secondary pitch which he refuses to say by name.

“It’s a family secret of mine, you’ll never get it out of me unless I’m on my deathbed,” Gomes said when asked about the details of the pitch. 

However, before helping Churchills stout baseball team contend for a state championship, Gomes must get past a few issues. He lacks a few things, most notably a graduation requirement from the 3rd and 4th grade both of which he missed while pursuing other activities outside of school. Along with this Gomes does not have two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine which by Montgomery County Public School rule is required for athletes in order to participate in athletics. The most glaring issues he faces are questions surrounding Gomes’ age. He refuses to answer questions surrounding his age and many assume that because of Gomes stunning facial hair that he is much older than the 17 years old he is listed as. 

Once Gomes finally arrives at Churchill, be sure to remember his name because he’s for sure to make an impact. 

“I’m really excited to be on the field next spring surrounded by some other great players, I think the sky’s the limit for us. Other pitchers should be scared cuz’ I’m about to take them 450’ dead center,” Gomes said.