2012 Lincoln Memorial University Baseball Guide

2011 RAILSPLITTER ROSTER

2012 RAILSPLITTER BASEBALL TEAM

No. Name Pos. Yr. Ht. Wgt. B/T Hometown 1 Scott Miller UT FR 5’7” 170 R/R Knoxville, TN 2 Neil Borden INF SO 6’3” 190 R/R Alcoa, TN 3 Gelson Perez INF SR 5’9” 186 R/R Gurabo, PR 5 Nick Pressley C R-JR 5’9” 170 R/R Knoxville, TN 6 Cody Baker OF JR 5’11” 160 L/L Knoxville, TN 7 Seth Sharp UT R-FR 6’2” 180 R/R LaFollette, TN 8 Curt Fuqua INF JR 5’10” 160 R/R Jackson, TN 9 Nick Morabito INF/RHP FR 5’11” 185 R/R Vienna, VA 11 Andy Fennell RHP SR 6’1” 175 R/R Knoxville, TN 13 Andre Rodriguez INF JR 5’11” 180 R/R Las Piedras, Puerto Rico 14 Joseph Horsley INF R-SR 5’11” 180 R/R Rutledge, TN 15 Mark Comparoni C JR 6’0” 180 L/R Williamsburg, KY 18 Seth Woods RHP JR 5’9” 180 R/R Watseka, IL 20 Kyle Asher INF/RHP FR 6’0” 190 R/R Louisville, KY 21 Colin Buckner 1B FR 6’2” 210 R/R Harrodsburg, KY 22 Justin King RHP FR 6’1” 190 R/R Barbourville, KY 23 Brandon Morris INF R-FR 5’9” 160 R/R Knoxville, TN 24 Tanner Rutherford UT FR 6’2” 195 R/R LaFollette, TN 25 Austin Pittman RHP FR 6’2” 200 R/R Benson, NC 26 Chris McCarter RHP FR 6’3” 200 R/R Seymour, TN 27 Brandon Cowan LHP R-JR 6’2” 185 L/L Tequesta, FL 28 Austin Johnson RHP JR 5’11” 180 R/R Versailles, KY 29 Layne Cecil RHP FR 6’5” 205 R/R Pikeville, KY 30 Brad Pressley RHP SR 5’9” 195 R/R Knoxville, TN 31 Robert Stegbauer RHP SR 6’7” 220 R/R Hillsboro, OH 32 Patrick Morris RHP SO 6’2” 220 R/R Plantation, FL 34 Nolan Woody C SO 6’2” 215 R/R Chattanooga, TN 40 John Saylor UT FR 5’9” 186 R/R Mount Vernon, KY 42 Bryan Ebelink LHP/1B SO 5’10” 185 L/L Bushnell, FL 44 Carter Pack INF SO 6’2” 250 R/R Andersonville, TN 99 Jerry Skeens 1B JR 6’3” 225 R/R Bristol, TN Head Coach: Jeff Sziksai Assistant Coach: Ryan Schmalz Graduate Assistant Coaches: Tate McMillan, Ben Adleburg

WELCOME / CONTENTS

LMU Baseball 2012 Quick Facts

Table of Contents

School.............................................. Lincoln Memorial University Founded .............................................................................. 1897 Location ............................................................... Harrogate, TN Enrollment ..........................................................................4,550 School Colors ..................................................... Blue and Gray Venue Name ............................................J. Lamar Hennon Field Seating Capacity ................................................................1,500 Nickname ................................................................. Railsplitters Affiliation .......................................................... NCAA Division II Conference ........................................................... South Atlantic Interim President ..................................... Dr. B. James Dawson Alma Mater, Year .............................................. Evansville, 1967 Athletic Director .................................................. Roger Vannoy Alma Mater, Year ................................... Lincoln Memorial, 1974 Athletic Department Phone ..................................423.869.6241

INSIDE FRONT COVER....................................... 2012 ROSTER WELCOME/CONTENTS..............................................................1 2012 SEASON OUTLOOK...........................................................2-3 LMU BASEBALL COACHING STAFF.......................................4-5 MEET THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS.........................................6-17 2011 STATISTICS/RESULTS.....................................................18 LAMAR HENNON FIELD........................................................19-20 TEX TURNER ARENA...............................................................21 FACILITIES................................................................................22 THIS IS LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY............................23 ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT/LOCAL DIRECTORY..................... 24 INSIDE BACK COVER.................................................. THE SAC

Coaching Staff

Head Coach ..............................................................Jeff Sziksai Alma Mater, Year ....................................Western Carolina/1998 Record at LMU (yrs) ...................................183-179-2 (9th Year) Career Record .............................................................183-179-2 Sziksai’s Office Phone ..........................................423.869.6345 Sziksai’s Email .....................................jeff.sziksai@lmunet.edu Assistant Coach ...................................................Ryan Schmalz Schmalz Office Phone ..........................................423.869.6344 Graduate Assistant .................................................Ben Adleburg Graduate Assistant................................................Tate McMillan Athletic Trainer ........................................................... Don Grigsby Grigsby’s’s Office Phone .......................................423.869.6378

Team Information

2011 Overall Record ..........................................................29-22 Home | Away | Neutral......................................16-8 / 12-12 / 1-2 2011 South Atlantic Conference Record...........................16-11 Starters returning/lost ...........................................................6/6 Letter winners returning/lost ................................................8/14

History

First Year of Baseball .........................................................1908 All-time Record (yrs) .............................................................N/A Last NCAA Tournament Appearance (yrs) ...................... None Last Conference Tournament Appearance ......................2011

CREDITS

The 2012 Lincoln Memorial University Baseball Guide is a publication of the LMU Sports Information Office.

Sports Information

Photography by: Michelle Sziksai, LMU Sports Information, Allen Earl Photography and the South Atlantic Conference Special Thanks: Head Coach Jeff Sziksai, Assistant Coach Ryan Schmalz, Director of Publications Regina Burns and Dr. Katherine Pebworth.

Sports Information Director.....................................Scott Erland SID Office Phone ...................................................423.869.6236 Home Phone ..........................................................423.869.5120 Associate SID ...............................................................Bill Porter Assistant SID Phone..............................................423.869.6376 Home Phone ..........................................................423.869.9032 Student Assistant..................................................................N/A SID Fax ....................................................................423.869.6382 Mailing Address ................................................. LMU Box 2028 Tex Turner Arena

6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway

Harrogate, TN 37752

2012 LMU Baseball

All LMU athletic guides are available from the Sports Information Office either in print form (if available) or CD-Rom for a fee. They can also be found on the world wide web at www.LMUrailsplitters.com.

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2012 RAILSPLITTER BASEBALL SEASON OUTLOOK The tides are shifting for the Railsplitters heading into the 2012 season, as Lincoln Memorial University will be taking the field with a team vastly different from a season ago. Coming off of a 29-22 year with a senior-laden roster, the Railsplitters are bringing a team loaded with new faces. With sixteen new players, more than half of the roster is dominated by fresh faces. With the combination of savvy veterans and the spark of new talent, Head Coach Jeff Sziksai heads into the 2012 season with enthusiastic vigor.

The pitching staff will play a vital role in the success of this season, as they will be expected to carry a tremendous load. This year’s staff is packed with experience as the top two pitchers from a season ago return to the mound. Austin Johnson, an All-Conference Second Team performer last year, returns for the Railsplitters. He led the team and finished sixth in the South Atlantic Conference with an ERA of 3.06. He finished with a perfect 6-0 record in conference play. Andy Fennell is also returning following a strong 2011 campaign. Fennell also had an unblemished conference record at 4-0. He led LMU in innings pitched, shouldering a tremendous 76 innings.

The Railsplitters have the luxury of having three other formidable starters to fill the vacancies. Senior Brad Pressley will be expected to play a pivotal role this season. Pressley went 2-1 last season in his 13 appearances. Redshirt junior Bradon Cowan brings experience as he has played virtually every role on the staff during his tenure with the Railsplitters. He threw 37 innings last season and he is expected to play a much bigger role this season. Patrick Morris, a transfer from Nova Southeastern University, could potentially see big innings as a starter this season. Morris was sidelined for much of last year due to a minor injury. However, he will be at full strength this season and looks to regain the form that made him a Louisville Slugger All-American in high school. Robert Stegbauer, a senior from Hillsboro, Ohio, is a returner in the bullpen this season as he will be expected to provide late inning relief and may possibly take on the closer role.

The remaining portion of the Railsplitter pitching staff will be made up of newcomers. Seth Woods, a junior transfer out of Kankakee Community College, brings a strong arm and vital college experience to the staff. Kyle Asher, Justin King, Nick Morabito, Logan Sawyer, Chris McCarter and Austin Pittman round out a talented group of freshman that will form a huge part of the Lincoln Memorial University pitching staff and will all be expected to contribute immediately.

Turning towards the field, the Railsplitters will be looking for players to step up and fill the vacancy left by the loss of four All-Conference hitters from last year’s team, which finished fifth nationally in runs scored. The infield will be the biggest strength as the Railsplitters will see the return of seniors Joe Horsley and Gelson Perez. Perez is coming off of a 2011 campaign where he batted .335 with three homeruns and 47 RBIs. An AllSouth Atlantic Conference Second Team selection a season ago, Perez was selected as a National Player to Watch by the American Baseball Coachers Association this year. He will see time mainly at third base. At shortstop, Horsley returns following a productive year in which he hit .290 with 45 runs scored while leading the South Atlantic Conference with 20 stolen bases.

In the middle infield, newcomer Andre Rodriguez, a transfer out of Wiley College, will get significant time at second and third base.

At Wiley College, Rodriguez set the school record with a 14-game hitting streak and batted .335 during his tenure there. Redshirt freshman Brandon Morris and true freshmen John Saylor and Nick Morabito will also battle for time at second and third base.

First base could be filled by a number of potential candidates this season. Sophomore Carter Pack brings a year of experience with

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2012 RAILSPLITTER BASEBALL SEASON OUTLOOK the team to the spot. In 18 at-bats a season ago, Pack was extremely productive as he recorded six RBIs on 7 hits. New additions Jerry Skeens, Colin Buckner and Kyle Asher will also compete for time at first base for the Railsplitters.

Sophomore Nolan Woody returns at catcher for the Railsplitters after a strong freshmen season. Woody appeared in 39 games last season and batted .268 with two homeruns and 21 RBIs. Redshirt junior Nick Pressley will also compete for time at catcher this season.

In the outfield, Lincoln Memorial University has unanswered questions, as the Railsplitters are returning only one everyday player from the 2011 season. Junior Cody Baker is that returner and he will attempt to build on his impressive 2011 campaign. At the all-important leadoff spot in the lineup, Baker batted .343 with a .429 on-base percentage. He also led the team in hits and plate appearances. At the centerfield position, Baker is expected to anchor the outfield this season.

Transfer Curt Fuqua, out of Jackson State Community College, leads the candidates to fill the other vacant positions. Last year at Jackson State, Fuqua hit .349 with 9 homeruns and 49 RBIs. He was recently named as a Newcomer to Watch by the American Baseball Coaches Association. Fuqua likely will see significant time at left and right field this season. Sophomore Neil Borden had a strong fall and put himself in position to receive playing time this spring. Nick Pressley has seen a significant time in the outfield this fall and will be in the running for innings in the spring. Freshmen Scott Miller, Colin Buckner, Tanner Rutherford and Seth Sharp will also be in the mix for time in the outfield this season.

The fate of this season remains unanswered as the stable faces that have represented the Railsplitters the last few seasons have been replaced by a tremendously talented group of athletes. Head Coach, Jeff Sziksai, is excited to see the continued progression of the direction he has taken the team since his arrival at LMU. “I think we will score runs in a little bit different way this year, but our offense will be solid again,” he commented. “We will rely much more on our pitching and defense this year, but I feel that we are much improved in those areas from a year ago. I really like the makeup of our team and the committment to get better.”

The 2012 season promises to be an exciting year as the Railsplitters will be up against a daunting schedule, facing some of the best of the southeast. The Railsplitters will look to continue the ascent of the program under the direction of Jeff Sziksai by pushing into the upper echelon of the SAC and moving forward to the NCAA Tournament.

LINCOLN MEMORIAL University 2012 LMU Baseball

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RAILSPLITTER COACHING STAFF

HEAD COACH

Jeff Sziksai Heading into his ninth year as the head coach, Jeff Sziksai is looking to continue building the Railsplitter baseball program. After inheriting a program that won just five games in 2003, the baseball program has seen steady improvement over the past eight seasons. In 2011, the Railsplitters advanced to the quarterfinals of the SAC tournament and finished 29-22 on the season. The Railsplitters finished the 2010 season by making the deepest post-season run since becoming an NCAA division II member in 1990, coming up just short of a SAC tournament championship. While the Railsplitter baseball program is pointed in the right direction, Sziksai has his sights set much higher. “The goals for our program are simple. First, win the SAC. Second, go to a World Series and win a national championship. We will continue to work tirelessly to achieve our mission.”

weekend.”

LMU enters its sixth season of competition in the South Atlantic Conference after making the transition from the Gulf South Conference following the 2006 season.

“The SAC is one of the best Division II baseball conferences in the country. To win this league, we will have to be focused and compete at an extremely high level every

Jeff Sziksai took over the helm of the Railsplitter baseball program after spending four years as an assistant coach. Sziksai served on the staff at Old Dominion University from 2002 to 2003, taking over duties as the hitting and infield coach while coaching third base. During his two-year stint with the Monarchs, he was part of a recruiting effort that helped lead ODU from 8th place in 2003 to 4th place in 2004 as well as their first conference tournament appearance in three years. The team batting average increased by 25 points from his first to second year. Sziksai also coached eight drafted players and one All-American, including the second overall pick in the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft.

Before being hired at ODU, Sziksai served as an assistant coach at Western Carolina University from 2000 to 2001. While there, he coached the infielders, hitters and first base. During his first year, he was part of a recruiting effort that led to the biggest single season turnaround in Southern Conference History (10th to 3rd, an increase of 15 wins), signed a two-time All American and Conference Player of theYear and coached seven drafted players. The 2001 team led the Southern Conference in batting average and home runs.

A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Sziksai is a former second baseman at Western Carolina University. In 1997, he was named All-Conference and was selected to the Southern Conference All-Tournament Team, helping the Catamounts win their conference tournament and advance to the NCAA Division I East Regional. Also that season, Sziksai played in 48 straight games at second base without committing an error. In 1998, Sziksai was named team captain, led the Southern Conference in RBI’s (69), and helped lead his team to a 45-15 record, tied for the most wins in school history. Following his career at WCU, Sziksai was a 22nd round draft pick of the New York Yankees where he spent time in Single A, both in Oneonta, New York and Tampa, Florida.

Coach Sziksai is married to former Michele Napier of Pineville, Kentucky, and they are parents to Mason, born September 17, 2010. They reside in Middlesboro.

Coach Sziksai, Michele and Mason

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RAILSPLITTER COACH STAFF

ASSISTANT COACH Ryan Schmalz

Entering his seventh year with Lincoln Memorial University, Ryan Schmalz came to the Railsplitters from nearby NCAA Division I Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky. A native of Olathe, Colorado, Schmalz serves as Coach Sziksai’s top assistant and recruiting coordinator.

Coupled with his recruiting efforts, Schmalz also serves as the Railsplitter hitting coach. The 2007 squad hit .339 as a team which also ranked 20th in the nation. The 2009 team ranked 18th in scoring with a .318 average. In 2010, LMU was 21st in scoring (.323), 10th in the nation in home runs and reached the South Atlantic Conference Tournament semifinals. In Schmalz’ five seasons with the Railsplitters, the team has marked noticeable increases in nearly every offensive statistical category.

While at Morehead State University, Schmalz helped in the recruiting process for the Eagles. His efforts led to the team gaining 14 more wins from 2004 to 2005, while boasting the Ohio Valley Conference’s Player of the Year.

“I am excited to be at LMU and to work with Coach Sziksai,” says Schmalz. “We believe that with hard work and discipline, LMU can become a nationally competitive team.”

Before his coaching career began at Morehead State University, Schmalz played baseball for Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and junior college baseball at Trinidad State Junior College in Trinidad, Colorado. During his final two seasons of college baseball, Schmalz and his teammates accumulated an overall record of 86 wins and 26 losses, which included two NAIA World Series appearances.

“We are very fortunate to have Ryan on our staff,” said Sziksai. “He is a hard working young coach, and I think our players respond to him very well. He has an outstanding reputation and is a proven winner as a player and coach.”

Schmalz has a bachelor’s degree in sports management with minors in communication studies and business management from Olivet Nazarene University, and a master’s degree in sports administration from Morehead State University. Schmalz, wife Rebecca and daughters Molly and Janie reside in Tazewell, Tennessee.

GRADUATE ASSISTANT COACHES

Ben Adleburg 2012 LMU Baseball

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THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS

Meet The Railsplitters!!!

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THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS

Scott Miller

Height: 5’7” Weight: 170 lbs.

Class: Freshman Position: Utility Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee Last School Attended: Farragut High School

#1

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Scott has been a great addition to our team. He is a versatile player who will see time primarily in the outfield but can also play 2nd base. He has a knack for getting on base and brings a ton of energy to the park every day.”

Neil Borden

Height: 6’3” Weight: 190 lbs.

Class: Sophomore Position: Infielder Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Alcoa, Tennessee Last School Attended: Alcoa High School

#2

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Neil might have more tools then anyone on our team. He has power, arm strength and is fast. With more consistency, Neil could see significant time somewhere in the outfield.”

Gelson Perez

#3

Height: 5’9” Weight: 186 lbs.

Class: Senior Position: Infielder Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Gurabo, Puerto Rico Last School Attended: Puerto Rico Baseball Academy & High School

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Gelson has been one of our best players for the past three years, and we expect more of the same. He will see time catching and in the infield. Gelson is a tremendous leader and teammate, and will be a staple in the middle of our lineup once again.”

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THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS

Nick Pressley

#5

Height: 5’9” Weight: 170 lbs.

Class: Redshirt Junior Position: Catcher Bats/ Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee Last School Attended: Powell High School

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Nick might be one of the most competitive players we have. He is very athletic, and has the ability to play outfield as well as catch. Nick is coming off of a great fall, and will be an important ingredient to our success this spring.”

Cody Baker

Height: 5’11” Weight: 160 lbs.

Class: Junior Position: Outfielder Bats/Throws: Left/Left Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee Last School Attended: South-Doyle High School

#6

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Bake has been one of the top leadoff guys in the SAC for the past two seasons.

He will be at the top of our lineup once again this spring. Cody brings a lot of enthusiasm to the park every day, and will be instrumental in the leadership of this team.”

Seth Sharp

Height: 5’10” Weight: 180 lbs.

Class: Redshirt Freshman Position: Utility Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: LaFollette, Tennessee Last School Attended: Cumberland Gap High School

#7

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Seth has gotten dramatically better since his red-shirt season last year. He has really developed physically as well. Seth has a tremendous work ethic and we expect him to compete for time in the outfield this season.”

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THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS

Curt Fuqua

Height: 5’10” Weight: 160 lbs.

Class: Junior Position: Infield Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Jackson, Tennessee Last School Attended: Jackson State Community College

#8

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Curt has meshed extremely well with our team. He was one of the best junior college players in the state of Tennessee, and we expect more of the same at LMU. Curt is another athlete who can play a few different positions, and should hit somewhere in the middle of our lineup.”

Nick Morabito

Height: 5’11” Weight: 185 lbs.

Class: Freshman Position: Infield/ Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Vienna, Virginia Last School Attended: Bishop O’Connell High School

#9

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Bito has made a seamless transition from high school to college baseball. He is a very hard worker and is eager to get better and learn. Nick will be in the mix to see time in the infield and on the mound.”

Andy Fennell

Height: 6’1” Weight: 175 lbs.

Class: Senior Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee Last School Attended: Columbia State Community College

#11

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Andy has become a great leader not only for the pitching staff but for our team.

Andy returns from a successful campaign last year and has continued to improve his game over the off-season. We are expecting him to be in the weekend rotation as his success will be key in a successful year for LMU.”

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THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS

Andre Rodriguez

#13

Height: 5’11” Weight: 180 lbs.

Class: Junior Position: Infield Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Las Piedras, Puerto Rico Last School Attended: Wiley College

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Andre is coming off a great fall. Andre is a very consistent line-drive hitter and highly skilled defender. He has a chance to be an excellent defender and player for us.”

Joseph Horsley

#14

Height: 5’11” Weight: 180 lbs.

Class: Redshirt Senior Position: Infielder Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Corryton, Tennessee Last School Attended: Rutledge High School

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Joe has become the leader of this team. He is our most athletic player, and possibly the best defensive shortstop in the conference. He has made huge strides offensively and will be a fixture at the top of our lineup.”

Mark Comparoni

Height: 6’0” Weight: 180 lbs.

Class: Junior Position: Catcher Bats/Throws: Left/Right Hometown: Williamsburg, Kentucky Last School Attended: Williamsburg High School

#15

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Mark is coming off of a shoulder injury and should be ready to see some time this spring. He is a solid left-handed bat, which our lineup desperately needs, and gives us some much needed depth in the catching position. Mark is a tireless worker and selfless teammate.”

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THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS

Seth Woods

Height: 5’9” Weight: 180 lbs.

Class: Junior Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Watseka, Illinois Last School Attended: Kankakee Community College

#18

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Seth comes to us from Kankakee CC where he was highly successful at the JUCO level. He is the best athlete on the pitching staff. He has really good arm speed and the best breaking ball on the team. Seth gives us a versatile option as a starter, reliever or closer.”

Kyle Asher

Height: 6’0” Weight: 190 lbs.

Class: Freshman Position: Infielder/ Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky Last School Attended: Butler High School

#20

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Kyle is another freshman that has a chance to see time both as a hitter and pitcher. He has handled the rigors of being a pitcher and a position player well in his first semester and will be vital to our success.”

Colin Buckner

Height: 6’2” Weight: 210 lbs.

Class: Freshman Position: First Base Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Harrodsburg, Kentucky Last School Attended: Mercer County High School

#21

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Colin was probably our most improved player this fall. He has power and is athletic for a bigger guy. We anticipate Colin competing for time in the outfield as well as first base this year.”

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THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS

Justin King

Height: 6’1” Weight: 190 lbs.

Class: Freshman Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Barbourville, Kentucky Last School Attended: Knox Central High School

#22

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Justin will give our staff added depth. He had a good fall and continues to improve heading into the year. He is a versatile part of our staff that commands three pitches well and can start as well as relieve. We are excited to watch Justin over the next few years as we expect him to contribute immediately.”

Brandon Morris

Height: 5’9” Weight: 160 lbs.

Class: Redshirt Freshman Position: Infielder Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee Last School Attended: Christian Academy of Knoxville

#23

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Brandon is coming off a red-shirt year where he made some awesome strides as a player. He is a very savvy player, and one of our best infield defenders. His added strength has turned him into a more potent offensive threat, and he will be in the mix for a lot of innings this spring.”

Tanner Rutherford

Height: 6’2” Weight: 195 lbs.

Class: Freshman Position: Utility Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: LaFollette, Tennessee Last School Attended: Cumberland Gap High School

#24

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Tanner was a top player in this area in high school. He’s athletic, strong and has a high ceiling. As he continues to improve, he will give us some needed depth in the outfield.”

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THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS

Austin Pittman

Height: 6’2” Weight: 200 lbs.

Class: Freshman Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Benson, North Carolina Last School Attended: West Johnston High School

#25

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Austin is another talented freshman arm. He spots his fastball as well as anyone on the team down in the zone. He has a good feel for three pitches and can make adjustments quickly on the mound. As Austin continues to mature as pitcher, he will be a reliable option for us out of the pen for years to come.”

Chris McCarter

#26

Height: 6’3” Weight: 200 lbs.

Class: Freshman Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Seymour, Tennessee Last School Attended: Seymour High School

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Chris is another freshman arm we have high hopes for. He has a great feel for pitching along with amazing tempo on the mound, and he can really command the baseball. He can start games as well as be utilized out of the pen.”

Brandon Cowan

Height: 6’2” Weight: 185 lbs Class: Redshirt Junior Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: Left/Left Hometown: Tequesta, Florida Last School Attended: Palm Beach Community College

#27

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Brandon has worked himself into the discussion to log weekend innings. He brings value to our staff being one of two left-handed pitchers. He will be needed to contribute if our team is going to reach its fullest potential.”

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THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS

Austin Johnson

Height: 5’11” Weight: 180 lbs.

Class: Junior Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Versailles, Kentucky Last School Attended: Lexington Christian School

#28

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Austin is a very dedicated pitcher as he strives daily to perfect his trade. After a great year last season, we are expecting nothing less than another outstanding year from him. Austin has bought in to the philosophy and can really locate his fastball. The LMU pitching staff will need him to be successful.”

Layne Cecil

Height: 6’5” Weight: 205 lbs.

Class: Freshman Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Pikeville, Kentucky Last School Attended: Pikeville High School

#29

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Layne is a hard worker with a lot of upside. His big frame and high level of athleticism are any coach’s dream. With his work ethic and hunger to learn, the coaches here at LMU have high expectations for him in years to come.”

Brad Pressley

Height: 5’9” Weight: 195 lbs.

Class: Senior Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee Last School Attended: Powell, Tennessee

#30

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Brad is a tireless worker and the heartbeat of the pitching staff. He is a hardnosed, highly competitive pitcher with a great ability to pound the strike zone with his sinking fastball, and has earned the opportunity to be in the mix for weekend innings. He is the ideal leader for a championship caliber pitching staff.”

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THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS

Robert Stegbauer

#31

Height: 6’7” Weight: 220 lbs Class: Senior Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Hillsboro, Ohio Last School Attended: USC-Upstate

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Robert has some of the best arm strength in the SAC. He has done a great job developing his slider in the fall and we feel strongly that for us to be successful, Robert will have to get important outs late in games throughout the season.”

Patrick Morris

Height: 6’2” Weight: 220 lbs.

Class: Sophomore Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Plantation, Florida Last School Attended: Nova Southeastern University

#32

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Patrick just knows how to pitch. His fastball has life and he can command three off-speed pitches as well as anyone. As he continues to get healthy Patrick has the ability to really carry a pitching staff. We feel he will be an impact arm for us at LMU to win a championship.”

Logan Sawyer

Height: 6’5” Weight: 205 lbs.

Class: Freshman Position: Pitcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Seymour, Tennessee Last School Attended: Seymour High School

#33

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Logan has a great attitude and is extremely coachable. He made big strides over the course of the fall and continues to get better. Logan has good arm strength and can really command his fastball. He has a high ceiling and has made the transition from high school to college very smoothly. We expect great things out of Logan throughout his career at LMU.”

2012 LMU Baseball 15

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THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS

Nolan Woody

#34

Height: 6’2” Weight: 215 lbs.

Class: Sophomore Position: Catcher Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee Last School Attended: McCallie School

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Nolan is coming off of a solid freshman season and we see him being more valuable this year. He is a strong kid and an outstanding defensive catcher. Nolan has good power and could be a fixture in the middle of our lineup.”

John Saylor

Height: 5’9” Weight: 186 lbs.

Class: Freshman Position: Utility Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Mount Vernon, Kentucky Last School Attended: Rockcastle County High School

#40

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“John is another freshman that has adjusted well to college baseball. He is a great teammate and brings a ton of personality to the park every day. He was one of the top hitters in the state of Kentucky and we anticipate him to do more of the same at LMU.”

Bryan Ebelink

Height: 6’2” Weight: 185 lbs.

Class: Freshman Position: Pitcher/First Baseman Bats/Throws: Left/Left Hometown: Bushnell, Florida Last School Attended: South Sumpter High School

#42

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Bryan is a very unique pitcher being a left-handed submarine pitcher. He has improved his command and still continues to grow as a pitcher. He gives the staff a desired different look to face left handed hitters.”

2012 LMU Baseball 16

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THE 2012 RAILSPLITTERS

Carter Pack

Height: 6’5” Weight: 250 lbs.

Class: Sophomore Position: Infielder Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Andersonville, Tennessee Last School Attended: Anderson High School

#44

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Carter has made some serious strides since his freshman season. He has very good power and should see time at first base or as our DH. He is extremely strong yet has become much more athletic around first base.”

Jerry Skeens

Height: 6’3” Weight: 225 lbs.

Class: Junior Position: Infield Bats/Throws: Right/Right Hometown: Bristol, Tennessee Last School Attended: Surry Community College

#99

SZIKSAI’S COMMENTS

“Jerry is coming off of an All-Region season at Surry Community College. He possesses very good bat speed and could develop into a very good college hitter.

He is a very intense, highly competitive player, who brings a great effort to the park daily.”

2012 LMU Baseball 17

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2011 STATISTICS

2011 LMU Baseball Statistics Summary for Lincoln Memorial (as of Jan 03, 2012) (All games) Record: 29-22

Date Opponent

2/5 2/5 2/6 2/9 2/9 2/11 2/12 2/12 2/13 2/15 2/15 *2/18 *2/19 *2/19 2/23 2/23 *2/26 *2/26 *2/27 3/2 *3/4 *3/6 *3/6 *3/12 *3/12 *3/13 3/16 *3/18 *3/19 *3/19 3/22 3/23 *3/25 *3/26 *3/26 3/29 3/29 *4/2 *4/2 *4/3 4/6 4/6 *4/8 *4/9 *4/9 *4/15 *4/16 *4/16 !4/20 !4/21 !4/22

at #20 USC Aiken at #20 USC Aiken at #20 USC Aiken VIRGINIA INTERMONT VIRGINIA INTERMONT at Limestone at Limestone at Limestone at Limestone ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE at Catawba at Catawba at Catawba KENTUCKY STATE KENTUCKY STATE LENOIR-RHYNE LENOIR-RHYNE LENOIR-RHYNE at Virginia Intermont at Anderson at Anderson at Anderson MARS HILL MARS HILL MARS HILL #19 NORTHERN KENTUCKY at Tusculum at Tusculum at Tusculum at West Georgia at West Georgia WINGATE WINGATE WINGATE KING KING NEWBERRY NEWBERRY NEWBERRY at Kentucky State at Kentucky State at Brevard at Brevard at Brevard CARSON-NEWMAN CARSON-NEWMAN CARSON-NEWMAN vs Tusculum vs Wingate vs Catawba

Score

W L L W W L L L L W W L L L W W W W W W L W L W W L L W W W W W W W L L L W L W W W L W W L W L W L L

5-1 8-12 5-6 16-2 18-5 1-12 2-18 2-13 7-11 9-5 9-8 4-9 8-9 0-2 9-0 18-2 16-10 14-0 6-5 12-2 3-4 1-0 2-5 15-3 10-3 4-9 4-5 13-3 4-2 7-6 5-4 12-7 6-4 9-2 5-7 3-10 0-5 11-10 5-7 14-3 30-3 26-12 5-6 18-1 7-5 12-14 20-3 5-6 8-6 1-3 5-6

* = South Atlantic Conference game ! = Food Lion SAC Tournament

Home: 16-8

Player

Away: 12-12

99 Juan Alvarez 17 John Couch 6 Cody Baker 3 Gelson Perez 7 Cody Pack 21 Deaun Williams 14 Joseph Horsley 24 Eric Kitts -------------------15 Mark Comparoni 32 Jordan Harbinso 5 Nick Pressley 33 Amar Lewis 44 Carter Pack 13 Andy Guerrero 22 Adam Shuford 8 Brett Crawford 34 Nolan Woody 2 Neil Borden 16 Blake Houser 29 Connor Wise 4 Andrew Hall 9 Cody Church

Neutral: 1-2

avg gp-gs 51-51 51-51 51-51 49-49 51-51 45-44 51-51 48-46

190 192 198 176 179 149 176 160

57 54 44 38 49 36 41 45

68 67 68 59 56 46 51 44

14 14 10 14 11 7 5 4

2b

3b

1 0 2 0 1 2 3 0

hr

2 8 0 3 11 6 3 14

rbi

42 52 29 47 56 37 25 47

28 23 29 16 39 19 12 22

5 5 3 10 2 11 18 4

2-0

3 6 9 12 18 9 13 64 112 11 26 10 3 0

1 3 4 6 6 2 4 12 21 8 3 2 2 1

3 5 4 5 7 3 4 18 30 2 3 1 0 0

0 1 3 1 1 1 1 6 10 0 1 1 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0

0 4 3 2 6 2 2 16 21 4 1 0 1 1

0 0 1 1 5 1 3 9 12 0 2 2 1 1

0 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 5 1 1 1 0 1

.358 .349 .343 .335 .313 .309 .290 .275 1.000

.833 5-1 .444 9-0 .417 6-3 .389 12-2 .333 7-0 .308 8-3 .281 26-18 .268 39-32 .182 16-0 .115 11-5 .100 10-1 .000 4-0 .000 1-0

ab

r

SAC: 16-11 h

bb hbp

Totals

.317

51

1716

439

544

105

9

53

398

226

72

Opponents

.295

51

1645

296

485

89

6

28

275

149

55

so sb-att

13 3-4 45 5-8 27 13-15 23 3-7 31 6-7 43 8-12 33 20-22 39 2-4 0 0 3 4 5 2 3 13 43 3 11 2 0 0

0-0 0-0 0-1 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-3 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 343 64-85 267 65-76

LOB - Team (409), Opp (398). DPs turned - Team (21), Opp (38). CI - Team (2), N. Woody 2. IBB - Team (4), J. Alvarez 3, C. Pack 1, Opp (8). Picked off - D. Williams 3, N. Woody 2, C. Baker 1.

Player

era

28 Austin Johnson 3.06 20 Steven Starbird 4.74 11 Andy Fennell 4.97 -------------------25 Daniel Bollenbac 3.21 9 Cody Church 4.72 30 Brad Pressley 4.88 42 Bryan Ebelink 5.40 27 Brandon Cowan 6.93 31 Robert Stegbaue 8.71 19 Eric Hillenbrand 11.81 1 Chase Quarles 12.46

w-l

6-2 4-5 5-1

app gs cg sh sv

ip

h

r

er

bb

so

11 10 22 6 13 12

2 0 4

1 0 1

0 3 0

70.2 68.1 76.0

73 79 86

29 47 48

24 36 42

21 18 20

47 36 43

2-2 6-3 2-1 0-0 2-3 1-1 0-3 1-1

11 17 13 7 11 14 5 5

0 3 3 0 9 3 4 1

0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0

14.0 40.0 27.2 16.2 37.2 31.0 16.0 8.2

12 41 32 24 39 50 34 15

6 29 22 14 34 33 22 12

5 21 15 10 29 30 21 12

9 14 9 5 21 18 7 7

14 30 24 9 24 21 11 8

Totals

5. 42

29-22

51

51

9

3

6

406.2

485

296

245

149

267

Opponents

7. 07

22-29

51

51

4

2

8

403.2

544

439

317

226

343

PB - Team (16), N. Woody 11, B. Crawford 4, G. Perez 1, Opp (19). Pickoffs - Team (15), S. Starbird 5, C. Church 2, B. Crawford 2, A. Fennell 2, Hillenbrand 1, G. Perez 1, C. Quarles 1, N. Woody 1, Opp (6). SBA/ATT - B. Crawford (28-33), N. Woody (30-33), A. Johnson (13-15), A. Fennell (10-12), B. Pressley (7-10), R. Stegbauer (9-10), B. Cowan (8-8), C. Church (5-6), G. Perez (6-6), Bollenbacher (4-5), N. Pressley (1-3), B. Ebelink (3-3), S. Starbird (2-3), C. Quarles (2-2), Hillenbrand (2-2).

Score by innings Lincoln Memorial Opponents

1 57 33

2 55 41

3 63 34

4 45 56

5 70 29

6 55 23

7 46 44

8 35 20

9 EX 13 0 15 1

Total 439 296

Win-loss breakouts: Day 27-20; Night 2-2; vs Left 5-3; vs Right 24-19; 1-run games 6-7; 2-run games 4-5; 5+run games 17-7; Extra inns 0-1; Shutouts 3-2.

Current streak: Lost 2; Longest winning streak: 7; Longest losing streak: 4.

Attendance: Home 2245 (avg 149); Away 4433 (avg 192); Total 6678 (avg 175).

2012 LMU Baseball 18

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LAMAR HENNON FIELD Rededicated on November 4, 1989, as the J. Lamar Hennon Field for its namesake, Lamar Hennon Field is the oldest athletic facility on the Lincoln Memorial University campus still in use.

In the late 1980’s Lamar Hennon, a 1959 graduate of Lincoln Memorial University and an All-VSAC catcher, spearheaded the effort to renovate and modernize the baseball facilities as the University made the transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II. The field was later renamed in his honor.

In 2006, Hennon again came to the aid of his alma mater, helping with the effort to install lights and a Bermuda surface at the field.

The dimensions of the Lamar Hennon Field are 325 feet down the lines, 365 feet in the gaps and 395 feet to the centerfield fence.

Picture at left, Lamar Hennon attended Lincoln Memorial University from 1956 to 1959 and played baseball for the Railsplitters during that period. As a junior in 1958 and again as a senior in 1959, Hennon was named All-Conference as a catcher. During his four years at LMU, the Railsplitters produced a 60-13 record, winning the Smokey Mountain Athletic Conference twice and the Volunteer State Athletic Conference twice. The 1957 team which Hennon was a part of ,was invited to the first ever NAIA National Tournament.

Lincoln Memorial University alumnus and former baseball player Lamar Hennon.

Following graduation from LMU Hennon coached for three years at North Whitefield High School. He then moved on to pursue a career in business and is now the President and CEO of Carpets of Dalton in Dalton, Georgia. He is married to Sue Cawood Hennon.

LMU’s All-Time Record at Lamar Hennon Field Year Win Loss Tie Pct. 1990 14 1 .933 1991 11 9 .550 1992 16 9 .640 1993 15 8 .652 1994 17 6 .739 1995 15 9 .625 1996 22 3 .880 1997 18 8 .692 1998 21 8 .724 1999 16 7 .696 2000 11 14 .440 2001 22 4 .846 2002 19 8 .704 2003 2 18 .100 2004 12 19 1 .391 2005 10 17 .370 2006 16 8 .667 2007 23 7 .767 2008 15 10 .600 2009 16 8 .667 2010 12 10 .545 2011 16 8 .666 Total 339 199 1 .629 First Game: Mar. 4, 1990 – LMU 14, IUPUI 0 First Loss: Apr. 14, 1990 – King 16, LMU 4 Longest win streak: 14 games spanning from April 20, 1996 to March 2, 1997.

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LAMAR HENNON FIELD Lamar Hennon Field seats 1,100 people (not including parking areas along outfield).

Originally known as Cooper Field, Lamar Hennon Field has been used since 1910. It was the home of the Lincoln Memorial University Airedale/Railsplitter football team.

Within the last few years, Lamar Hennon Field has seen many changes, including the addition of stadium seating and lights as well as dugout and locker room renovations.

2012 LMU Baseball 20

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TEX TURNER ARENA

Tex Turner Arena has served as the home of the Railsplitters and Lady Railsplitters since 1991.

The 87,000 square foot complex seats 5,009 for basketball contests, with another 1,000 portable seats available for other events. The distance from the playing floor to the roof is 40 feet, the equivalent of a two-story building. The arena is 230 feet (east to west) and 282 feet (north to south). It contains over 81,866 square feet of floor space, and over 4 million cubic feet of space.

The arena also serves as a practice facility for the golf, soccer, baseball and softball teams. The auxiliary gym contains batting cages, and there is an indoor practice tee used by the golf teams.

2012 LMU Baseball 21

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FACILITIES The weight room in Tex Turner Arena was renovated in 2007.

The J. Lamar Hennon Auxiliary Gym provides unlimited access to three full-sized batting cages.

The Athletic Training Room is opened to all athletes and strives to keep every athlete healthy and happy.

2012 LMU Baseball 22

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LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY Lincoln Memorial University was founded in 1897 as a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln and his philosophy and ideals.

Its inception dates from an occasion in the fall of 1863 when the President was meeting with General Oliver Otis Howard to discuss military operations in and around the Cumberland Gap and East Tennessee area. The President expressed his appreciation for the loyalty that the people of the region had shown to the Union during this time of Civil War. Pointing to the area on the map, Mr. Lincoln said, “General Howard, if you come out of all this horror and misery alive, and I hope that you may, I want you to do something for these people who have been shut out from the world all these years. If I live, I will do all I can to aid you and between us we may do them the justice they deserve. Please remember, and if God is good to us we may be able to speak of it later!”

Mr. Lincoln did not live to see his dream fulfilled, but O.O. Howard (who also was a founder of Howard University) never forgot those words. In 1895, he traveled to the Cumberland Gap area to address a small academy that was operated by a Congregational minister, the Rev. A.A. Myers, and his wife Ellen. While he was there, the General remembered Lincoln’s request and joined with the Myers and several prominent friends to lay the groundwork for a university honoring the slain President. It was to be an institution whose mission and principles would exemplify the life of Abraham Lincoln.

The philosophy articulated by these founders as a guide for University programs and curriculum was based on the following principles which were exemplified in the life of Abraham Lincoln: individual liberty; the privileges and responsibilities of the American government; love and respect for the fellow people; personal initiative, individual effort; unselfish leadership; an appreciation for the common people; free enterprise; and belief in a personal God. Now in its 115th year of operation, LMU has grown into a progressive university, offering over 30 majors. Enrollment is 4,550 students at the main campus in Harrogate and 11 extended-campus sites. The main campus is also home to the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, which houses one of the largest Lincoln collections in the country.

LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY QUICK FACTS Location: Harrogate, TN Founded: 1897 Enrollment: 4,550 Nickname: Railsplitters Colors: Blue & Gray Affiliation: NCAA Division II Conference: South Atlantic Conference President: B. James Dawson, EdD Athletic Director: Roger Vannoy Sports Information Director: Scott Erland Head Athletic Trainer: Don Grigsby 2012 LMU Baseball 23

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ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT / LOCAL INFORMATION MAILING/OVERNIGHT ADDRESS: Tex Turner Arena Cumberland Gap Parkway Harrogate, TN 37752 ADMINISTRATION 423.869.6285 Roger Vannoy Athletic Director Robin Susong Administrative Asst.

COMPLIANCE 423.869.6239 Mike Smith Associate A.D.

Compliance Officer BASEBALL OFFICE Jeff Sziksai

Ryan Schmalz

423.869.6345 Head Coach Assistant Coach

ATHLETIC TRAINING 423.869.6378 Don Grigsby - Head Athletic Trainer ATHLETIC TRAINING 423.869.6423 Whitney Bailey- Assistant Athletic Trainer FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVE Dr. Jack Mansfield 423.869.6322 SENIOR WOMAN ADMINISTRATOR Jenny Michael 423.869.6246 TITLE IX COORDINATOR Bryan Erslan 423.869.6465

OTHER SPORTS: Head Men’s Basketball Coach Josh Schertz 423.869.6240 Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Lance Egnatz 423.869.6346 Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Cottrell 423.869.6346 Head Women’s Basketball Coach Roger Hodge 423.869.6224 Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Matt Acton 423.869.6343 Head Men’s & Women’s Golf Coach Travis Muncy 423.869.6383 Assistant Golf Coach Matt Ringley 423.869.6652 Head Men’s & Women’s Cross Country Coach Jeremy Donahue 423.869.6201 Head Volleyball Coach Jenny Michael 423.869.6246 Head Men’s & Women’s Soccer Coach Helio D’Anna 423.869.6245 Assistant Soccer Coach Adriano de Moraes 423.869.6340 Head Softball Coach Dan Burns 423.869.6242 Assistant Softball Coach Jennifer Connell 423.869.7081 Cheerleading/Dance Team Coach Marcia Yeary-Hembree 423.869.6451

LOCAL HOTELS

Hotel Location From Campus Phone

Cumberland Gap Inn Cumberland Gap 2.5 Miles 423.869.3996 Downtown Inn & Suites Middlesboro 4.5 Miles 606.248.5630 Holiday Inn Express Middlesboro 5 Miles 606.248.6860 Sleep Inn Middlesboro 5 Miles 606.576.7829

FAMILY DINING Restaurant

Location

From Campus Phone

WOW Café & Eatery Harrogate On campus 423.869.6206 Gondolier Harrogate 1 Mile 423.869.8036 Haymaker Farms Harrogate 1 Mile 423.869.4771 The Oasis Harrogate 1.5 Miles 423.869.8000 Webb’s Country Kitchen Cumberland Gap 2.5 Miles 423.869.5877 Waffle King Middlesboro 4 Miles 606.248.5003 Chinatown Cafe Middlesboro 4.5 Miles 606.248.1627 La Esperanza Middlesboro 4.5 Miles 606.248.9252 Ryan’s Middlesboro 5 Miles 606.242.2900 New China Express Middlesboro 5 Miles 606.248.5000 China Star Middlesboro 5 Miles 606.248.9088 Mountain View Restaurant Pineville 15 Miles 606.337.3066 or (Pine Mtn. State Resort Park) 1.800.325.1712

2012 LMU Baseball 24

FAST FOOD

Restaurant Location Frosty Mug Harrogate Subway H, M, T, P Hardee’s H, M, T Arby’s Middlesboro Burger King Middlesboro Conley’s Drive-In Middlesboro Dairy Queen Middlesboro, Pineville KFC Middlesboro, Tazewell Krystal’s Middlesboro Lee’s Famous Recipe Middlesboro Little Caesar’s Pizza Tazewell, Pineville Long John Silver’s Middlesboro, N. Tazewell McDonald’s M, T, P Papa John’s Middlesboro, N. Tazewell Pizza Hut Middlesboro, Pineville Sonic Middlesboro, Tazewell Taco Bell Middlesboro, Tazewell Taco Casa Middlesboro Wendy’s Middlesboro LEGEND: H - Harrogate, TN T - Tazewell/NewTazewell, TN M - Middlesboro, KY P - Pineville, KY

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H

S

ISTORY OF THE OUTH THE SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE The South Atlantic Conference is in its 36th year of athletic tradition and excellence. The conference has enjoyed tremendous success due to dedicated people building a premier athletic conference throughout its history.

The distant forerunner of the South Atlantic Conference was the North State Atlantic Conference (NSIAC). The NSIAC was formed when the “Little Six”, as it was called, broke from the North Carolina Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 1930. These charter members included Lenoir-Rhyne College, Atlantic Christian, Catawba College, Guilford College, Elon College, and High Point University.

The North State continued to grow over the next 30 years, adding Western Carolina (1933), East Carolina (1947) and Pfeiffer (1960). A name change became necessary when the league accepted Newberry as its first South Carolina member in 1961. The league took on the name Carolinas Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAC) on May 20th of that year.

The CIAC saw several changes in the following years as East Carolina withdrew from the league in 1962. Appalachian State and Western Carolina followed in 1971 and 1976.

All three landed in the Southern Conference.

The South Atlantic Conference was founded in 1975 solely as a football conference. The league received its name from a contest in which Kurt Brenneman of Greensboro, NC became the first to submit the SAC-8 moniker.

The SAC-8 consisted of Carson-Newman College, Catawba College, Elon College, Gardner-Webb University, Lenoir-Rhyne College, Mars Hill College, Newberry College, and Presbyterian College. Dr. Fred Bentley, of Mars Hill College, was named league president for its inaugural year, by a vote of the member institutions.

After the first season of play in the SAC-8, the Bears of Lenoir-Rhyne College captured the first football title.

In 1989, the league’s 15th year of operation, the South Atlantic Conference became a comprehensive, multisport conference. Doug Echols was named the league’s first Commissioner. That year the South Atlantic Conference sponsored 10 sports - football, men’s

ATLANTIC CONFERENCE

SAC office in Rock Hill, SC

Key dates in SAC history  1930 – North State Atlantic Conference formed when six schools broke from the North Carolina Intercollegiate Athletic Conference  1961 – Newberry joins league. Conference changes name to Carolinas Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAC)  1975 – South Atlantic Conference formed as football league with eight schools, called the SAC-8.  1988 – Wingate replaces Newberry  1989 – SAC became a multisport conference  1996 – Newberry rejoins conference  1998 – Tusculum joins conference  2006 – Lincoln Memorial joins conference  2007 – Brevard admitted as provisional member  2008 – Patrick Britz named Commissioner  2010 – Anderson (S.C.) University joins conference

and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, men’s soccer, volleyball, men’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis. Later the conference grew to 14 championship sports by adding women ‘s soccer (1990), men’s and women’s cross country (1993) and women’s golf (1999).

The South Atlantic Conference was composed of the same eight member institutions

from 1975 until 1988, when Wingate University replaced Newberry College as the eighth member institution. Newberry later rejoined the conference in 1996.

In July of 1998, Tusculum College was admitted as a member of the league, and Lincoln Memorial University began play in the conference in the 2006-07 academic year. Brevard College was admitted as a provisional member in 2007.

In 2008, Echols retired after serving as Commissioner for 19 years and Patrick Britz was hired as the new Commissioner.

In July 2010, Anderson (S.C.) University joined the conference to become the league’s 10th member.

Today the conference is a group of 10 private, liberal and civic arts colleges and universities, similar in size and athletic philosophy. Since becoming eligible for NCAA Division II postseason play in 1993, the league has sent representatives from all of its sponsored sports to NCAA postseason play.

The league membership now includes Anderson University in Anderson, S.C.; Brevard College in Brevard, N.C.; Carson-Newman in Jefferson City, Tenn.; Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C.; Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C.; Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn.; Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, N.C.; Newberry College in Newberry, S.C.; Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tenn.; and Wingate University in Wingate, N.C.

2/3 2/4 2/5 2/8

2/10

2/11

2/17

2/18

2/21

2/24

2/25

2/29

3/2

3/3

3/6

3/9

3/10

3/14

3/16

3/17

3/20

3/23

3/24

3/28

3/30

3/31

4/3

4/6

4/7

4/10

4/13

4/14

4/19-4/22 5/17-5/20

USC-Aiken Aiken, SC USC-Aiken Aiken, SC USC-Aiken Aiken, SC Claflin(DH)

Orangeburg, SC Florida Southern

Lakeland, FL

Florida Southern

Lakeland, Fl

Lenoir-Rhyne*

Hickory, NC

Lenoir-Rhyne (DH)* Hickory, NC

Northern Kentucky (DH) Harrogate, TN Anderson*

Harrogate, TN Anderson (DH)*

Harrogate, TN Bryan (DH)

Harrogate, TN Mars Hill*

Mars Hill, NC

Mars Hill (DH)*

Mars Hill, NC

Bellarmine (DH)

Harrogate, TN Tusculum*

Harrogate, TN Tusculum (DH)*

Harrogate, TN King (DH)

Harrogate, TN Wingate*

Wingate, NC

Wingate (DH)*

Wingate, NC

Alabama-Huntsville Huntsville, AL Newberry*

Newberry, SC

Newberry (DH)*

Newberry, SC

Hiwassee (DH)

Harrogate, TN Brevard*

Harrogate, TN Brevard (DH)*

Harrogate, TN King

Bristol, TN

Carson-Newman*

Sevierville, TN Carson-Newman (DH)* Jefferson City, TN Kentucky Wesleyan (DH) Owensboro, KY Catawba*

Harrogate, TN Catawba (DH)*

Harrogate, TN Food Lion SAC Baseball Tournament NCAA Southeast Regional

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