athletics news
Front, from left: Matt Collins, Dave Bartek, Chris Haggard, John Duke, Kevin McConnell, Dusty Black, Tim Nunez, Curtis Cornett, Caleb Powell, Dale Bartek, Matt Keadle, and Colton Bryant. Back: Matt Youtsey, Carl Allen, Josh Strickland, Tate Koons, Ed Cook, Chris Lew, Kyle Davis, Kevin D’Antignac, Caleb Cochran, Josh Bailey, Matt Lisk, Kevin Caldwell, James Moyer, Ethan Miers, Davis Partrick, and Garrett Lovelace.
Baseball takes GSAC Title with 32-15 overall record The Lions baseball team gave its fans a great deal to cheer about in 2011, especially at their home ballpark, as a 17-5 mark in the friendly confines of Loudermilk Field helped propel the squad to its second Great South Athletic Conference championship in the last four seasons. The team’s 32-15 overall record represents the second 30-win season since joining the NCAA Division-III ranks in 2003, and its 7-2 mark in conference play, which gave the Lions the regular season crown, is tied for the best showing in GSAC play by the baseball program since the Great South moved to a four-team format in 2007. For his efforts guiding the program to yet another league championship and an NCAA National Tournament berth, skipper Jim Peeples was named the GSAC Coach of the Year and saw his leadoff outfielder Kyle Davis named the Player of the Year as well, after becoming just the second player in Piedmont’s NCAA era to hit .400 through the regular season. Davis was one of five Lions placed on the All-Conference team, while two were named to the All-Freshman group. As an added bonus, four PC ballplayers were named ABCA All-South Region selections, including Davis and closer Matt Collins, reliever Ed Cook, and starter Kevin Caldwell. Senior Curtis Cornett snagged his first Rawlings Gold Glove award. In the spirit of Piedmont’s commitment to excellence in the classroom, the squad also led all GSAC member institutions with 16 All-Academic honorees.
20 The piedmont college journal
Kyle Davis, upper left, was the GSAC Player of the year after batting .400. He and pitchers Kevin Caldwell (#35), Matt Collins, and Ed Cook were all named to the All-South Region Team. Coach Jim Peeples, above, was named GSAC Coach of the Year.
Autumn 2011