From Hardwood to Diamond: The Racine Legacy at Westfield State

WESTFIELD, Mass. – In the storied history of Westfield State University Athletics, few family names resonate quite like Racine. When Dan Racine torched the nets for the Owls' basketball program in the mid-1990s, he cemented his place among the school's all-time greats. Nearly three decades later, his son Chase is carrying on the family tradition—albeit with a different ball and glove.

Following Footsteps While Blazing a New Trail

Standing at an imposing 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, junior first baseman Chase Racine (Pittsfield, Mass.) has emerged as one of the Owls' most reliable offensive threats on the baseball diamond. His numbers tell the story of a player coming into his own—a .354 batting average, .472 on-base percentage, .586 slugging percentage, 32 RBIs, and four home runs through 32 games this season.

But for Chase, the journey at Westfield State has always been about more than statistics. It's about honoring a legacy while establishing his own.

"I wouldn't call it pressure, more so motivation," Chase says when asked about following his father's athletic footsteps. "Just knowing that my dad had such an impact on the school when he came... I try and do the same thing as him. There's pressure on it, but I don't force it on myself."

Dan Racine's shadow looms large in Westfield State's athletic history. During his basketball career from 1995 to 1997, he accumulated 1,259 points—good for 13th on the program's all-time scoring list. His remarkable 24.2 points per game average in 1997 still stands as the second-highest single-season mark in school history.

The Natural Choice: Why Westfield State?

For Chase, the decision to attend Westfield State represented both a continuation of family tradition and a thoughtful choice about his future. The Racine connection to the University runs deeper than just his father's basketball exploits.

"The reason I chose Westfield State was because of how close it was to my hometown, the winning culture they have here, and that my mom and dad were both former athletes from Westfield State," Chase explains.

That's right—the Racine athletic legacy at Westfield State spans both parents, creating a powerful foundation for Chase's decision. While Dan Racine made headlines on the basketball court, Chase's mother, Angela Martin, carved out her own impressive athletic career at Westfield State.

Graduating in December 1998 with a degree in physical education, Angela demonstrated remarkable versatility as a two-sport athlete. She competed on both the women's basketball team—walking on during her sophomore year—and the softball team, showing the same athletic prowess that would later manifest in her son.

This dual athletic heritage meant Chase's decision wasn't merely about following in his parents' footsteps; it was about continuing a genuine family tradition at an institution that had given so much to both of his parents. The Racine-Martin athletic DNA, forged in Westfield State's gymnasiums and playing fields, created a natural path for Chase to follow.

The proximity to his Pittsfield hometown, just under an hour's drive away, meant support from family and friends would never be far away. And the "winning culture" Chase mentions has been evident throughout his collegiate career, with the baseball program consistently competing at a high level in the MASCAC conference.

But most telling in his decision was the pull of that family connection—the opportunity to wear the same school colors his parents once did, to compete for the same institution, and perhaps to leave his own distinctive mark on the Westfield State athletic program that already bears the imprint of both his father and mother.

A Father's Influence

That basketball pedigree has translated into valuable mentorship for Chase as he navigates his own collegiate athletic career.

"He's always pushed me to be a better player, better person," Chase explains of his father's influence. "Always be the best version of myself."

The elder Racine's experience has proven invaluable as Chase has developed his game, especially in understanding the mental fortitude required to compete at the collegiate level.

"He knew what it took to get there," Chase says, referring to succeeding in Division III athletics. Those father-son conversations frequently center around improvement: "Conversation of what I need to do to be better," and critically, "How to get over a bad game... sports are all mental."

Finding His Stride

Chase's steady improvement each season demonstrates both his work ethic and adaptability. His approach to the inevitable ups and downs of baseball reveals a maturity beyond his years.

"At the end of the day, it is a game of runs," he reflects. "You're going to go on a run when you are hitting it really good, you're going to go on a run when you will be in a slump." This perspective helps him maintain equilibrium through baseball's inherent streakiness.

"Knowing who you are as a player, you're here for a reason," he adds confidently.

Chase credits his teammates and coaching staff for his continued development as a hitter and player.

"I think the way my teammates push me... they push me to be a better player, my coaches push me to be a better player on and off the field," he says.

Learning Under Coach Kaplan

Under the guidance of head coach Seth Kaplan, Chase has continued to refine his skills and approach to the game.

"One of the best coaches I have ever had," Chase says without hesitation. "He has empathy for you, but if you do something wrong, he is going to be in your ear."

Chase appreciates Kaplan's experience and knowledge, noting, "His knowledge for the game, him playing at a DI level is very good."

Growing Into Leadership

As a junior, Chase has begun to step into a leadership role, albeit in his own thoughtful style.

"My favorite part of being able a leader is I get to help lead the team, but I get to do it from a back seat," he explains. "I like being able to observe the seniors and the senior captains, and learn from them."

This measured approach to leadership mirrors his patient development as a player—building toward his potential with each season.

The Thrill of Competition

When asked about his most memorable collegiate moment, Chase points to the heightened stakes of playoff baseball.

"Feeling the pressure of the playoffs... the pressure I felt but in a good way because we had to win this game, doing it for everyone else not just yourself," he recalls.

That team-first mentality extends to his goals for the remainder of this season and beyond.

"As a team, we all have the same goal, it is to win," Chase states simply.

On an individual level, his focus remains on resilience and self-belief: "If I go through a time where I am struggling, just knowing I am going to get back to where I need to be... not beating myself up. I know I am a good hitter, I know I have it in my bag."

A Family Legacy Evolves

While Dan Racine made his mark with a basketball and Angela Martin competed on both the hardwood and softball diamond, Chase continues to build his reputation with a baseball bat. The family's athletic legacy at Westfield State transcends specific sports. It's about excellence, competitive fire, and representing the University with distinction.

Different sports, different eras, same dedication to the Owls. For the Racine-Martin family, Westfield State isn't just an alma mater—it is family tradition spanning two generations and multiple sports, with both parents having competed across different athletic programs before their son would follow in their path.

This rich athletic heritage—Dan's scoring prowess on the basketball court and Angela's versatility as a two-sport athlete—provides Chase with a unique perspective on what it means to represent Westfield State. His parents' complementary athletic experiences have given him a well-rounded foundation of competitive spirit and perseverance.

As Chase continues his collegiate career with the Owls, his parents' accomplishments serve not as a burden, but as a beacon, illuminating the path toward his own athletic achievements and personal growth.

In that sense, the Racine-Martin legacy at Westfield State isn't simply being preserved—it's being reimagined with every swing of Chase's bat, carrying forward the tradition of excellence established by both his father and mother.

 - Written by Tom Onorato - Sports Information Intern