Driving Force Rogers Senior Greg Pugh Says New Focus On Religion Changes His Outlook On Life; Improves His Game, Too

Greg Pugh’s black basketball shoes are size 13.

That means there’s lots of room for the Rogers High senior to scribble Bible references along the sides above the soles.

The inside of his left shoe reads, “2 Samuel 22:2,” his favorite verse.

“The Lord is my rock, my strength, my shield,” Pugh says, describing the phrase that he hasn’t yet been memorized in full.

“Jesus loves you” is written on the outside of his right shoe and “my strength is from Jesus” is on the inside.

Pugh, 18, says he found God on July 11 last year during a Young Life conference in Canada. It changed his life. He has two mission trips planned for next summer, including one to Nicaragua.

“I thought I was a Christian until I went there,” Pugh said of the Young Life session. “God opened my eyes that I really wasn’t.”

He said he was selfish but now looks at people in a different way. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound center said his new focus on religion has helped his basketball, too.

“I used to think basketball was life and I had to do good,” he said. “But it’s just a game. It’s awesome if I’m successful at it but it’s not going to matter if I go to heaven or hell.”

So far this season, though, he’s been impressive on the hardwood. He leads Rogers with 12 rebounds per game, is scoring about nine points a game and is one of the Pirates’ captains. He believes the team can remain in the top half of the Greater Spokane League and advance to regionals and state.

“A lot of guys come from tough backgrounds but we can do it,” Pugh said. “We’re really good friends and all get along.”

Rogers coach Rick Mergenthaler said Pugh will be a big reason if the Pirates have success in the postseason this spring.

“He’s a winner,” Mergenthaler said. “He’s a great kid and makes this ballclub tick. Where this club goes will be in large part because of Greg.”

Senior teammate Adam Hooper agrees.

“He works hard at what he does and never lets up,” Hooper said. “He’s tough and physical all around. He gets along with everybody. … He doesn’t talk a lot, just does his job.”

Pugh said it’s not always easy to get his teammates pumped up. But he tries to lead the best he can. He can often be seen raising a fist in the air after a basket, free throw or key rebound.

“Since I’m a big man and I play a lot, people look up to me,” he said. “If I don’t have the right mental attitude, the rest of the team won’t.”

Pugh plans to go to college next year - his top choice is Multnomah Bible College in Portland - and hopes to continue with basketball.

Mergenthaler will miss his big man.

“He’s the heart and soul of everything we represent,” Mergenthaler said. “The kids love him.”