In the world of Club Sports , it’s never too early to start preparing for the upcoming season.
At least that’s how Club baseball coordinator Tory Caputo sees it. Caputo and returning team members began recruiting players and practicing almost directly after they suffered their final loss in the 2004 National Club Baseball Association World Series in Bradenton, Fla., last spring.
The Ducks are looking to fill specific
positions in order to replace a number of graduated seniors.
“We really don’t have a lot of arms,” Caputo said. “We lost our ace Matt Mensik as well as Jordan Shaw last year and those were two starting pitchers right there.”
Caputo said tryouts will be run differently than in past years, mainly because the Ducks will be participating in a fall baseball league. The fall games will give the new players, Caputo said, a different outlet to show off their skills.
“We are going to keep a lot of guys in the beginning so everyone will get a chance to prove themselves,” Caputo said.
Club baseball tryouts will be held at the turf field next to the Student Recreation Center Monday at 6 p.m. and will continue throughout the week.
History in the Making
Club water polo’s own tournament marks the beginning of its 2004 season, but Oregon began compiling this season’s team months ago.
With a roster full of experienced players, the Ducks will head right into competition as they prepare to host the first-ever collegiate water polo tournament held in Eugene Oct. 9 and 10 at Amazon Pool.
Oregon State, Portland, Washington, Washington State and Western Washington will all make the trip to Eugene for the two-day tournament.
With 23 returning players, team member George Slavich predicts a successful season.
“This is the best team we’ve ever had,” Slavich said. “We have a very good chance at going to Nationals.”
Stephen Hagerman, the team’s player/coach, said Oregon’s ultimate goal is to qualify for Nationals which will be held in South Bend, Ind., at Notre Dame Nov. 19-21.
“Things have been going well because players know they have to work hard and that allows me to wear two caps at once,” Hagerman said.
Kirsten McEwen is a freelance reporter
for the Daily Emerald.