ENMU ATHLETICS By: Adam Pitterman and Will Edwards
Greyhound Athletics Registers a Strong Year in the Classroom The 2016-17 year was a highly successful one for the ENMU Department of Athletics in competition and in the classroom. As a group, the Greyhound student-athletes posted a 3.08 gradepoint average for the academic year. “At ENMU, we are very proud of our student-athletes both in the classroom and in their sports,” said ENMU President Dr. Steven Gamble. “I congratulate both the players and the coaches for their demonstration of ‘student success.’” “These term GPAs and cumulative GPAs are represent the respect, commitment and dedication that our student-athletes have for their academic pursuits,” ENMU Athletic Director Dr. Greg Waggoner said. “We applaud their efforts and academic
results, as well as their coaches and other athletic staff that set a standard of expectation for our student athletes, as well as support and advise them.” As far as overall grades, ENMU athletics performed extremely well for the year compared to the University’s student body. Eastern’s women’s teams posted a combined GPA of 3.27 for the year, ahead of the female portion of the student body, which was an impressive 2.96. The men’s teams combined for a GPA of 2.88, slightly ahead of the 2.76 GPA of ENMU’s male student population. The women’s cross country team boasted a 3.52 GPA for the year, while all seven women’s teams finished with combined GPAs of at least 3.08. The baseball team paced the men’s teams with a 3.18 GPA for the year.
Softball Team Reaches 20 Wins for First Time Since 2007
Baseball Team Surges to Second-Most Wins in Program History
The Greyhound Softball team also had a banner year, with second-year Head Coach Katie Welborn moving into fifth on the career win list. With a doubleheader sweep at Oklahoma Panhandle State on April 19, the Hounds clinched their first 20-win season since 2007. One key highlight of the year was a perfect 7-0 mark against in-state opposition.
In early May, the Greyhound baseball team concluded a season for the ages. Eastern posted the second 30-win season in program history, and just missed the Lone Star Conference tournament. Eastern’s 32 victories were the most since the 1996 team’s record of 34.
Senior Audrey Velasquez concluded her career as the recordholder for games played (213) and at bat (692). She also was fourth in runs scored and doubles. Freshman Kaylee Rogers posted 15 wins in the circle, the most since 2007, and fourth on the ENMU single-season list. Erikka Burke continued her habit of knocking the ball out of the park, and tied for second on the single-season list with 13. Junior first baseman Erikka Burke earned Second Team All-Lone Star Conference honors, while shortstop Susannah Chandler made third team. The selections marked the third time in Chandler’s career that she has earned All-LSC honors. Burke’s selection was her first. The duo were among the top defensive players in the conference this season.
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OFFICIAL WEBSITE goeasternathletics.com 18
Green & Silver | August 2017
The year included a pair of wins over Lone Star Conference Champions Angelo State and West Texas A&M. On the final weekend of play, ENMU came within one game of claiming a tournament spot for the second time in team history. All-American Alex DeLaCruz turned in a historic season for the Greyhounds to earn a First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Region Selection before garnering All-American status. The second baseman set the program record for runs scored in and finished second in the Lone Star Conference in average, second in on-base percentage, fourth in hits, tenth in doubles, sixth in total bases, and sixth in stolen bases. He has consistently been the best hitter in the Lone Star Conference, leading the league in batting average, runs scored, hits, total bases, slugging percentage, third in doubles, sixth in home runs, sixth in RBI, tenth in walks, 14th fewest strikeouts, third run on-base percentage and second in stolen bases.
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