Record Breaking Year for EC Diamond Lions
It has been a record breaking season for the Emmanuel College baseball team. The Lions started off the season with high expectations due to a strong recruiting class.
This season the Lions exploded with wins over 5 nationally ranked teams.
During this season the Lions achieved 25 wins during the regular season, which is a school record while participating in the SSAC. The Lions also set a school record with the most victories in conference play.
Coach Brister states, "This has been a year for breaking records. I am so proud of these young men. We have always been the underdog since we have been in this conference, and we are finally earning some respect. I am extremely happy for my seniors this year to finally get to win. They have been troopers through the building process!"
The Lions were led by seniors Jay Flowers and Chris Reynolds. On the mound the Lions were led by 3 sophomores, Blaine Seagraves, Mark Shevock, and Kasey Hudgins. Shevock's 3.84 ERA was the best posted by a starter in Brister's tenure at EC.
Other accolades that should be pointed out were Ben Grillo and Alex Delgado's selection to the SSAC All-Freshman Team. Delgado received the highest award by being named the SSAC Freshman Player of the Year. He led the Lions in several categories such as batting average (.360), singles (68) and doubles (12).
This year’s NAIA Champion of Character Award was presented to senior, Jay Flowers. "Jay has been a joy to coach for the past 4 years. He is a man of integrity and an extremely hard worker. I know Jay will always give me 100%. There is not much that this young man can't do. After all, he is "Mr. Emmanuel," states Brister.
Emmanuel is ranked 15th in the nation in the NCCAA and will head to Jupiter, Florida next week to play in the South Regional Tournament. If they win or receive an at large bid, they will go to the NCCAA World Series in Cincinnati, Ohio May 18-21. Go Lions!
Posted on
Thu, May 12, 2011
by Hugh Morgan