‘Iolani alum Everett Lau part of Auburn’s first ride to Omaha

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CAT WOFFORD / AUBURN ATHLETICS

Everett Lau, with helmet, celebrated after singling in the winning run in the bottom of the 11th in an 8-7 win over North Alabma on May 14.

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Everett Lau is part of the Auburn baseball team’s historic run to the College World Series.

A 2016 ‘Iolani graduate, Lau was a Star-Advertiser All-State first-team selection.

Now, he’s on to the CWS with the Tigers (38-26), who defeated North Carolina 14-7 on Monday in the finale of a best-of-three super regional series. It will be Auburn’s first CWS appearance since 1997.

Lau was reached Monday evening while with boisterous teammates on the bus from Chapel Hill, N.C., back to Auburn, Ala.

“This is great,” he said via cell phone. “One of those things you think about as a kid, that kind of experience where you want to soak it all up. We’re one of eight teams still left playing in the country. It’s real exciting. We’ve come a long way. It’s been a long time for the school and we surprised everyone. It’s definitely cool.”

Lau is a junior reserve who can play infield or outfield. He’s batting .250 with a home run and eight RBI in 19 games for Auburn. His biggest outing to date was a 3-for-6 effort with a homer and a double and five RBI against Tennessee-Martin on March 5.

Lau hasn’t played in the postseason, but he’s raring to go if he gets the call.

“Staying positive and rolling with the punches,” he said. “Hanging in there. It’s a team effort. Waiting for the opportunity and also soaking it all up.”

Lau said it was a matter of the team sticking together despite hitting rough patches during the season that got the Tigers this far.

The Tigers play Mississippi State in their CWS Opener today in Omaha, Neb.

At ‘Iolani, Lau played third base, left field and also pitched.

“I spoke to him after the game,” Raiders coach Kurt Miyahira said via text message Monday afternoon. “He’s excited and looking forward to the experience.”

Saint Louis’ George Gusman coached against Lau in the ILH.

“I remember him,” Gusman said Monday via cell phone. “He was a left-handed batter, a dangerous hitter. We had a hard time getting him out. A versatile player, but his strength by far was hitting. I’m very happy for him in general and for all the Hawaii kids that can be successful and make it to the ultimate in college baseball. I wish him luck. We’ve got somebody to watch and cheer for.”

Lau also bowled for ‘Iolani and was a member of two national-title-winning youth inline hockey teams out of Kapolei.

Lau played for the College of San Mateo (Calif.) for two seasons before going to the Tigers.

“I’m very, very happy for him,” said Robert Lau, Everett’s father, on Monday by phone. “I know he made a lot of sacrifice just to get there and made a commitment on his part. Hat’s off to him.

“What I would say to any other kid is if you really, really want it, you’ve gotta be committed to the process. He wouldn’t be where he is without that.”