With spring sports right around the corner, the men’s baseball team looks at a new challenging season ahead. On Thurs., Feb. 2, the Golden Eagles will look to take on the Regis University Rangers in their preseason opener at 5 p.m. on Eagles Field. 

After falling short of the NCAA tournament playoffs by ranking third in league, the members of this year’s Concordia baseball team have some additional motivation. Grant Stuart, pitcher, emphasized the difference in this year’s team by stating, “This year this team excels well in guys buying into one another. While we may not have one singular team captain or anything like that, we all listen and trust one another. Myself, alongside with the other guys who have been here for a while, do a good job of setting a good example.” 

Baseball head coach Joe Turgeon also reflected on the potential with this year’s team. Turgeon specifically emphasized how proud he is of the culture the coaches and staff work so hard to put in place, stating that this year’s team is exceptionally close. 

“I’m very proud of the culture that we’ve built over the past few years. I think this year’s team in particular is a great embodiment of our family environment and core values because our guys really enjoy competing together and are a very unselfish group,” Turgeon said. 

Coming off the 2022 season with a 19-13 conference record, the baseball team have set new goals for this coming season. Shane Matthews, sophomore and outfielder, mentioned what the team expects from each other, stating, “The expectations are high for this team in terms of competing and buying into the program and with one another. As long as we all do that, we all know that we can go as far as the game will take us this year.” 

Turgeon said he believes the growth he has seen in his returning players as well as the talent they acquired from this year’s recruiting class can compete at the highest level this year. 

With a 10 game loaded preseason ahead, the team seems ready to tackle their PacWest competition. Stuart also emphasized the work ethic Coach Turgeon has endorsed for the team stating, “The coach has done an excellent job of getting us all bought into the system. Through our various types of scrimmages and conditioning sessions, we have learned to pull for one another and to work together as a team.” 

“We are excited for this coming season because we know what we have and what we can bring to the table,” said Matthews.

Catch the Golden Eagles this spring season as they prepare to take on the PacWest and fight for their first NCAA title. For more information on the baseball team and their upcoming season, visit https://cuigoldeneagles.com/sports/baseball.

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