Kudos to National Champs

Congratulations to the University of La Verne baseball team on its NCAA Division III National Championship.

As most students and members of the ULV community were beginning their summer vacations or celebrating Commencement, the members of the baseball team were cutting down the competition and working hard on completing their dream season. Through its efforts, the baseball team was bringing national attention to the University through its outstanding accomplishments that should not be overlooked.

On May 31, ULV’s baseball team became the school’s first ever to win the NCAA Division III National Championship and they were also the first west coast team to win the championship since 1977 when Cal State Stanislaus won.

Not only does this feat bring attention to the University, it brings added school spirit to the campus and a sense of pride to the local community.

The team’s hard work, dedication and talent payed off in monumental ways after a near-perfect season overall, a perfect run through the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and saw them slice through the College World Series. The team deserves all the attention and recognition it has received over the summer.

Several players received recognition for their effort in the success of the season. Senior Jeff Polinsky was named All-Conference, West Regional Most Valuable Player, All-West Coast, Most Valuable Player, National Tournament and Second Team All-American. Senior J.D. Romero, who led the team with 95 strikeouts, was named All-Conference, SCIAC Most Valuable Player, All-West Coast and Third Team All-American. Senior Greg Vargas received All-Conference and All-West Coast. Senior Mike Smith was honored with All-Conference, Second Team All-West Coast and National Championships All-Tournament Team. Jeff Doen, junior, was named Second team All-Conference, Second Team All-West Coast and National Championships All Tournament Team. Junior David Madrid received All-Conference Honorable Mention and National Championships All-Tournament Team.

The Leopards defeated Methodist College (for the second time in the tournament) from North Carolina, 5-3, for its final game and finished with an outstanding 39-9 overall record. They were also the first SCIAC team to go undefeated in the conference since the new 21 game schedule.

The Campus Times congratulates each team member, Head Coach Owen Wright and the assistant coaches on a job well done.

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Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

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