Green and White
One Team.
One Mission.
One Focus.
FINISH THE TASK!
THOMAS UNIVERSITY TABLE OF CONTENTS
THOMAS QUICK FACTS
Season Preview..............................................2-3
GENERAL
Schedule..........................................................4
Founded: 1950 Enrollment: 1,179 Nickname: Night Hawks Colors: Hunter Green & White President: Dr. Gary Bonvillian Director of Athletics: Mike Lee Athletics Department Phone: 229-226-1621 Athletics Department Fax: 229-584-2432
Roster...............................................................5 Player Profiles..............................................6-13 Coaching Staff...........................................15-17 2015 Results & Statistics...........................18-19 2015 Achievements.........................................20 2016 Opponents........................................20-27 Facilities....................................................28-30 Thomas University Profile...............................31 Staff/Administration......................................32
SPORTS INFORMATION Sports Information Director: Jason Hendrix SID Email: jhendrix@thomasu.edu SID Office Phone: 229-226-1621, ext. 1027 SID Mailing Address: 1550 Magnolia Street Thomasville, Ga. 31792 Website: http://www.TUNightHawks.com Twitter: @TU_Night_Hawks Facebook: thomasuniversityathletics COACHING STAFF Head Coach: Mike Lee HC Office Phone: 229-226-1621, ext. 1144 Email: mlee@thomasu.edu Media guide written, designed, and produced by Jason Hendrix and edited by the Thomas University Athletics Staff. Copy contributed by Angelo Pontello and Jacob Dennis. Photography contributed by Jason Hendrix, Rachel Wiggins, and Taylor Mitchell. Š 2016 - All rights reserved.
night hawks
thomas university bas Head coach Mike Lee has released the 2016 schedule for the Thomas University baseball team. The Night Hawks jump into Sun Conference action just two weeks after Opening Day with a Feb. 12-13 series with South Carolina-Beaufort, and will play the likes of TSC foes Southeastern and Warner shortly thereafter. TU will also participate in the 2016 Warner Invitational from March 10-12, as the mid-season tournament will likely serve as a measuring stick for Lee and staff as the team hits the season’s home stretch. The Night Hawks will play 23 home games at Varnedoe Stadium in Thomasville compared to 19 road games and 10 neutral-site contests, as the team attempts to improve upon last year’s 23-25-1 record (13-13 TSC). Thomas will need to position itself well heading into the season’s final two weeks, as the Night Hawks’ last seven games will be played away from Thomasville. The team will compete in 14 doubleheaders and will face two Illinois-based teams in Robert Morris and Roosevelt from March 4-7. The Night Hawks will face the Eagles at Golden Park in Columbus, Ga., before heading home to face the Lakers at Varnedoe Stadium. The Night Hawks home slate is highlighted by conference series with Southeastern, Warner, St. Thomas and Ave Maria. Road TSC series will be played versus USCB, Webber International, Keiser, and Florida Memorial. TU was pegged to finish fifth in the conference preseason poll. St. Thomas, the NAIA national runner-up a season ago, was picked to finish first and will be in Thomasville for a three-game set on March 18-19.
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seball season preview
In November , The Sun Conference released its preseason poll for the 2016 baseball season placing Thomas University fifth overall. The defending NAIA national runner-up Bobcats of St. Thomas were selected as the preseason favorites in The Sun Conference in 2016, as voted on by the nine league head coaches. St. Thomas received eight of nine first place votes, and return five hitters that hit better than .300 last season. The Bobcats led the nation in hits, runs scored, and runs batted in during the 2015 season. In the NAIA National Tournament, the Bobcats won the Lawrenceville Bracket in the first round over host Georgia Gwinnett to advance to the NAIA World Series for the fifth time in program history. Following a 12-2 loss in the first game, the Bobcats rattled off four wins in the losers’ bracket to make the final game. Defending regular season champion Keiser finished second, receiving the ninth first place vote. The Seahawks welcome back the services of preseason All-American designated hitter Keivan Berges to the lineup. The Seahawks made their first national tournament appearance following a 39-12 season. Southeastern finished third in the poll, 10 points behind Keiser. The Fire have three players on the roster this season that are previous All-Sun Conference award winners. Southeastern has made back to back NAIA Opening Round appearances. South Carolina Beaufort checked in at fourth, followed closely by Thomas to round out the top five. 2016 Sun Conference Baseball Preseason Coaches’ Poll 1. St. Thomas- 80 (8) 2. Keiser- 73 (1) 3. Southeastern- 63 4. USC Beaufort- 51 5. Thomas- 47 6. Webber International- 36 7. Warner- 24 8. Ave Maria- 20 9. Florida Memorial- 11
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GAME schedule Date
Time
Opponent
Location
2016 Warner Invitational 3/10/2016 9:15 a.m. 3/10/2016 1:00 p.m. 3/11/2016 9:15 a.m. 3/11/2016 3:30 p.m. 3/12/2016 TBD
Bellevue (Neb.) Saint Ambrose (Iowa) Siena Heights (Mich.) Saint Francis (Ind.) TBD Based on Bracket
Lakes Wales, Fla. Avon Park, Fla. Lakes Wales, Fla. Frostproof, Fla. Lakes Wales, Fla.
3/15/2016 3/18/2016 3/19/2016 3/22/2016 3/25/2016 3/26/2016 3/29/2016 4/5/2016 4/6/2016 4/8/2016 4/9/2016 4/12/2016 4/15/2016 4/16/2016 4/22/2016 4/23/2016
Brewton-Parker (DH) Mount Vernon, Ga. Saint Thomas (DH)* Thomasville, Ga. Saint Thomas* Thomasville, Ga. Edward Waters (DH) Thomasville, Ga. Webber International* Babson Park, Fla. Webber International (DH)* Babson Park, Fla. Middle Georgia State Thomasville, Ga. Georgia Southwestern Americus, Ga. Auburn-Montgomery Ozark, Ala. Ave Maria* Thomasville, Ga. Ave Maria (DH)* Thomasville, Ga. Trinity Baptist College Jacksonville, Fla. Keiser (DH) West Palm Beach, Fla. Keiser West Palm Beach, Fla. Florida Memorial (DH) Miami Gardens, Fla. Florida Memorial Miami Gardens, Fla.
1/30/2016 1:00 p.m. Middle Georgia State (DH) Cochran, Ga. 1/31/2016 1:00 p.m. Middle Georgia State Cochran, Ga. 2/5/2016 4:00 p.m. Trinity Baptist Thomasville, Ga. 2/6/2016 12:00 p.m. Trinity Baptist (DH) Thomasville, Ga. 2/9/2016 3:00 p.m. Brewton-Parker (DH) Thomasville, Ga. 2/12/2016 1:00 p.m. USC-Beaufort* Hardeeville, S.C. 2/13/2016 11:00 a.m. USC-Beaufort (DH)* Hardeeville, S.C. 2/16/2016 5:00 p.m. Georgia Southwestern Thomasville, Ga. 2/19/2016 3:00 p.m. Southeastern (DH)* Thomasville, Ga. 2/20/2016 12:00 p.m. Southeastern* Thomasville, Ga. 2/26/2016 1:00 p.m. Warner (DH)* Thomasville, Ga. 2/27/2016 12:00 p.m. Warner* Thomasville, Ga. 3/4/2016 3:00 p.m. Robert Morris (Ill.) (DH) Columbus, Ga. 3/5/2016 11:00 a.m. Robert Morris (Ill.) (DH) Columbus, Ga. 3/6/2016 3:00 p.m. Roosevelt Thomasville, Ga. 3/7/2016 3:00 p.m. Roosevelt Thomasville, Ga.
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m.
All game times are in eastern time standard. Tournaments are listed in green.
Home games in bold (DH) Double Header
# Senior Day * Sun Conference Matchup
team roster #
Name
Year
Position B/T
Hometown
1
Dillon True
So.
SS
S/R
Haarlem, The Netherlands
2
Jordan Desuyo So.
2B
R/R
Middleburg, Fla.
4
Blake Summers Jr.
SS
R/R
Palatka, Fla.
5
Tanner Elsbernd Jr.
3B
R/R
Tallahassee, Fla.
6
JR Cruess
R-Sr.
C/OF
R/R
7
Tanner Long
Jr.
OF
L/R
8
Matthew Brady Sr.
INF
R/R
Brooksville, Fla.
9
Alan Baker
Sr.
OF
R/R
Jacksonville, Fla.
10
Reed Melcolm
Jr.
2B
R/R
11
Jeremy Crosby
Sr.
OF
R/R
12
Gavin Murphy
So.
C
L/R
13
Neal Hunter
R-Sr.
RHP
R/R
14
Timmy Roszell
Jr.
SS
R/R
Jacksonville, Fla.
15
Jacob Moye
Jr.
RHP
R/R
Dothan, Ala.
16
Kris Lee
Sr.
LHP
L/L
17
Jared Corbitt
Fr.
RHP
R/R
18
Tate Lambert
So.
LHP
L/L
Bainbridge, Ga.
19
Thomas Bevis
Jr.
RHP
R/R
Lecanto, Fla.
21
Austin Simmons Jr.
OF
R/R
Eustis, Fla.
23
Yovanny Peguero So.
OF
R/R
Santo Domingo, D.R
24
Tyler Leach
Sr.
RHP
R/R
25
Joshua Roye
Jr.
RHP
R/R
Evans, Ga.
26
Nick Riley
Sr.
RHP
R/R
Gotha, Fla.
27
Brooks Timmons Jr.
1B
R/R
Brooksville, Fla.
28
Jordan Sopotnick Jr.
LHP
L/L
30
David Wood
Jr.
RHP
R/R
32
Jalbert Melo
So.
OF
R/R
Santo Domingo, DR
34
Colin Kirkland
R-So.
INF
R/R
Moultrie, Ga.
35
Jordan Martin
Sr.
RHP
R/R
39
Codey Conway
Jr.
RHP
R/R
Orlando, Fla.
41
Zach Tutak
Sr.
C
R/R
Palm Coast, Fla.
44
Gant Highsmith So.
1B
R/R
5
Jacksonville, Fla.
Lady Lake, Fla.
Jacksonville, Fla. Cairo, Ga.
Lakeland, Fla. Lake Mary, Fla.
Thomasville, Ga.
Umatilla, Fla.
Lakeland, Fla.
Edgewater, Fla.
Groveland, Fla.
Milton, Fla.
Hortense, Ga.
player profiles
#1 - Dillon True 5’10” | 167 lbs. | Sophomore | S/R Haarlem, The Netherlands | SS
#2 - Jordan Desuyo 5’7” | 150 lbs. | Sophomore | R/R Middleburg, Fla. | 2B
#4 - Blake Summers 6’2” | 176 lbs. | Junior | R/R Palatka, Fla. | SS
#5 - Tanner Elsbernd 6’3” | 208 lbs. | Junior | R/R Tallahassee, Fla. | 3B
6
player profiles
#6 - JR Cruess 5’10” | 195 lbs. | RS-Senior | R/R Jacksonville, Fla. | OF / C
#7 - Tanner Long 6’4” | 228 lbs. | Junior | L/R Lady Lake, Fla. | OF
#8 - Matthew Brady 5’11” | 170 lbs. | Senior | R/R Brooksville, Fla. | INF
#9 - Alan Baker 6’1” | 220 lbs. | Senior | R/R Jacksonville, Fla. | INF
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player profiles
#10 - Reed Melcolm 6’2” | 193 lbs. | Junior | R/R Jacksonville, Fla. | 2B
#11 - Jeremy Crosby 6’5” | 252 lbs. | Senior | R/R Cairo, Ga. | OF
#12 - Gavin Murphy 5’11” | 216 lbs. | Sophomore | L/R Lakeland, Fla. | C
#13 - Neal Hunter 6’3” | 196 lbs. | RS-Senior | R/R Lake Mary, Fla. | RHP
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player profiles
#14 - Timmy Roszell 6’0” | 199 lbs. | Junior | R/R Jacksonville, Fla. | SS
#15 - Jacob Moye 6’3” | 198 lbs. | Junior | R/R Dothan, Ala. | RHP
#16 - Kris Lee 5’11” | 196 lbs. | Senior | L/L Thomasville, Ga. | LHP
#17 - Jared Corbitt 6’0” | 166 lbs. | Freshman | R/R Umatilla, Fla. | RHP
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player profiles
#18 - Tate Lambert 5’11” | 176 lbs. | Sophomore | L/L Bainbridge, Ga. | LHP
#19 - Thomas Bevis 5’11” | 195 lbs. | Junior | R/R Lecanto, Fla. | RHP
#21 - Austin Simmons 6’1” | 173 lbs. | Junior | R/R Eustis, Fla. | OF
#23 - Yovanny Peguero 6’2” | 201 lbs. | Sophomore | R/R Santo Domingo, D.R. | OF
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player profiles
#24 - Tyler Leach 6’3” | 238 lbs. | Senior | R/R Lakeland, Fla. | RHP
#25 - Joshua Roye 5’10” | 175 lbs. | Junior | R/R Evans, Ga. | RHP
#26 - Nick Riley 6’1” | 192 lbs. | Senior | R/R Gotha, Fla. | RHP
#27 - Brooks Timmons 5’11” | 223 lbs. | Junior | R/R Brooksville, Fla. | 1B
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player profiles
#28 - Jordan Sopotnick 6’3” | 171 lbs. | Junior | L/L Edgewater, Fla. | LHP
#30 - David Wood 6’2” | 170 lbs. | Junior | R/R Groveland, Fla. | RHP
#32 - Jalbert Melo 6’0” | 188 lbs. | Sophomore | R/R Santo Domingo, D.R. | Pitcher
#34 - Colin Kirkland 6’3” | 200 lbs. | RS-Sophomore | R/R Moultrie, Ga. | INF
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player profiles
#35 - Jordan Martin 6’6” | 218 lbs. | Senior | R/R Milton, Fla. | RHP
#39 - Codey Conway 6’4” | 218 lbs. | Junior | R/R Orlando, Fla. | RHP
#41 - Zach Tutak 6’1” | 185 lbs. | 5’4” | Senior | R/R Palm Coast, Fla. | C
#44 - Gant Highsmith 6’1” | 244 lbs. | Sophomore | R/R Hortense, Ga. | 1B
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No Matter Where Life takes You, is there. CNS-INTERNET.COM | 229-227-7001
coaching staff
head coach Mike Lee Head Coach mlee@thomasu.edu Mike Lee is entering into his 20th year as Thomas University’s Head Baseball Coach and 18th year as the Athletic Director. During his tenure at Thomas, the TU baseball team has advanced to two regional tournaments (1999 and 2007), participated in four straight Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) Tournaments, and the competed in the Sun Conference Tournament in 2014. A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Lee began his playing career at Florida Community College at Jacksonville where he captured the 1990 FCCAA State Championship. After FCCJ, Lee transferred to Valdosta State where he played or coached in four different regional tournaments, including the NCAA Division II World Series in 1995. During his time at Valdosta, Lee spent the 1993 season as a Student Assistant with the baseball team, the 1994 season as the Assistant Softball Coach, and the 1995 and 1996 seasons as the Graduate Assistant Baseball coach. Lee earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (1994) and a Master of Education in educational leadership (1996) from Valdosta State. Currently, Lee resides in Thomasville, Ga., with his wife Retha and their two children, Jessica and Erica.
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assistant coaches Randy Adams Head JV Baseball Coach/Assistant Baseball Coach Randy Adams enters his fourth season as Thomas University’s Head JV Baseball Coach and Varsity Assistant Baseball Coach. Adams also serves as the Recruiting Coordinator for the varsity baseball program. Adams earned his Associates of Arts from St. Johns River State College in 2007 where he played one season under coaches Mike Robbins and Sam Rick, receiving NJCAA Scholar Athlete honors. After his freshman season, Adams transferred to Thomas. During his three seasons as a member of the Night Hawk baseball team, Adams played in 91 games collecting 78 hits on 250 at bats while hitting 17 homeruns. The right-hander drove in 80 runs and boasted a .312 career batting average. Adams was a three time NAIA Scholar Athlete (2008, 2009, and 2010) and received Dean’s List honors twice (2009 and 2010). Coach Adams received his Bachelor of Science in biology (2010) and Master of Business Administration (2015) from Thomas University. Randy and his wife, Morgan, reside in Metcalf, Ga.
Boo Taylor Assistant Baseball Coach William “Boo” Taylor enters his fifth season as Thomas University’s Assistant Baseball Coach. He comes to Thomas from Tallahassee Community College, where he served in the same capacity for three seasons. Prior to his time at TCC, Taylor was the head baseball coach at the Brookwood School in Thomasville, Ga., leading the Warriors to back-to-back Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA) Championships. At the age of 18 Taylor was selected, out of Thomas County Central HS, by the Texas Rangers in the second round of the 1980 Major League Baseball amateur entry draft. After 14 years in minor league baseball, Taylor earned a spot on the 1994 opening day roster for the Oakland Athletics. Boo went on to pitch parts of the next seven seasons in the MLB as a relief pitcher, ending his career in 2001 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. During his seven seasons he appeared in 317 games, with a record of 16-28 and 100 saves while posting a 4.21 ERA and striking out 307 in 324.2 innings pitched. Taylor, his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Logan, reside in Thomasville, Ga.
Ryan Stovall Athletic Assistant Baseball Coach
Jake Desuyo Athletic Assistant Baseball Coach
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Brent Slaughter Student Assistant
Austin Corbitt Student Assistant
2015 season results Overall 23-25-1
Pct. .480
Conf. 13-13
Pct. .500
Home 14-10
Away 6-9
Neutral 3-6-1
Date Opponent Location Results 1/31/2015 Middle Georgia (DH) Thomasville, GA W 11-9, W 13-12 2/1/2015 Middle Georgia Thomasville, GA L 10-21 2/5/2015 Reinhardt Thomasville, GA L 5-12 2/6/2015 Montreat (DH) Thomasville, GA W 3-0, W 7-4 2/8/2015 Bluefield (Va.) (DH) Thomasville, GA W 6-5, W 6-4 2/13/2015 St. Thomas (DH)* Miami Gardens, FL W 6-5, L 2-20 2/14/2015 St. Thomas* Miami Gardens, FL L 3-13 2/20/2015 Warner (Fla.)* Lake Wales, FL W 8-6 2/21/2015 Warner (Fla.) (DH)* Lake Wales, FL L 1-3, W 7-4 2/27/2015 Southeastern (DH)* Lakeland, FL L 2-6, L 5-8 3/6/2015 USC-Beaufort* Thomasville, GA L 3-7 3/7/2015 USC-Beaufort (DH)* Thomasville, GA L 2-8, L 1-7 3/10/2015 Eckerd St. Petersburg, FL L 1-4 Warner Inviational 3/12/2015 Mount Vernon Nazarene 3/12/2015 Holy Cross (Ind.) 3/13/2015 Saint Francis (Ill.) 3/13/2015 Spring Arbor 3/14/2015 Warner (Fla.) 3/20/2015 3/21/2015 3/24/2015 3/25/2015 3/27/2015 3/28/2015 3/31/2015 4/2/2015 4/4/2015 4/7/2015 4/10/2015 4/11/2015 4/24/2015 4/25/2015
Lake Wales, FL Avon Park, FL Avon Park, FL Avon Park, FL Lake Wales, FL
L 4-8 W 6-3 W 17-2 L 1-2 T 6-6
Webber International (DH)* Thomasville, GA Webber International* Thomasville, GA Middle Georgia Cochran, GA Georgia Southwestern Thomasville, GA Embry-Riddle (Fla.)* Thomasville, GA Embry-Riddle (Fla.) (DH)* Thomasville, GA Georgia Gwinnett (DH) Columbus, GA Ave Maria (DH)* Ave Maria, FL Ave Maria* Ave Maria, FL Edward Waters (Fla.) (DH) Jacksonville, Fla Northwood (Fla.) (DH)* Thomasville, GA Northwood (Fla.)* Thomasville, GA Florida Memorial (DH)* Thomasville, GA Florida Memorial* Thomasville, GA
Sun Conference Tournament 5/1/2015 Northwood (Fla.) 5/2/2015 Southeastern (Fla.) 5/3/2015 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) Home games in bold
Ft. Myers, Fla. Ft. Myers, Fla. Ft. Myers, Fla.
* Sun Conference Matchup
18
W 12-2, W 6-5 W 7-6 L 4-5 L 6-9 W 3-1 L 5-8, L 3-10 L 0-11, L 4-12 W 4-2, W 9-3 L 3-4 W 15-12, L 3-5 L 4-7, L 6-13 W 11-10 W 8-1, W 12-8 W 6-2 W 3-1 L 1-6 L 6-15
(DH) Double Header
2015 individual stats
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2016 OPPONENTS
2016 opponents Middle Georgia State University January 30, 2016 | 1:00 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. | Cochran, Ga. January 31, 2016 | 1:00 p.m. | Cochran, Ga. March 29, 2016 | 3:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@MGAKnights
Coach: Paul Knight | 2015 Record: 17-32 (7-23 Southern States Athletic Conf.) The Breakdown: Under third year head coach Paul Knight, the Knights are looking to improve on it’s 2015 performance that saw Middle Georgia go eight games below .500 and only record seven wins in the SSAC. Last season, the Knights were led by Clint Wynn at the plate and Tay Jerger on the mound. Wynn had a team high .324 batting average where he connected with 61 hits that drove in a squad high 34 runs. Jerger went 3-6 on the mound for Middle Georgia, accumulating a 4.11 ERA while striking out 50 batters. The Knights split the season series with Thomas going 2-2. Thomas won the first two games of their season opening, three game series in Thomasville while MGSU picked up the rubber game and single game set in the middle of March.
Trinity Baptist College February 5, 2016 | 4:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. February 6, 2016 | 12:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. April 12, 2016 | 6:00 p.m. | Jacksonville, Fla.
@TBCEagles
Coach: Jon Copeland | 2015 Record: 15-16 NCCAA The Breakdown: Trinity Baptist did not have any information available from their sport information department, website, or coaching staff. Trinity Baptist and Thomas did not face each other in 2015.
Brewton-Parker College February 9, 2016 | 3:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. March 15, 2016 | 3:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. | Mount Vernon, Ga.
@GoBaronsGo
Coach: Aaron Larsen | 2015 Record: 17-22 (10-15 Southern States Athletic Conf. The Breakdown: Brewton-Parker completed their 2015 campaign with a sub-.500 record and seventh place finish in the Southern States Athletic Conference. Clay Fenwick paced the Barons offensively collecting 44 hits while boasting a .400 batting average. First baseman Mike Parker drove in 37 Barons, leading the squad in 2015. The Barons will have a huge gap to fill with Michael Venturelli graduating in the spring. The pitcher led the Barons with a 2.61 ERA and 5-4 record. He picked up 57 strikeouts in his 72.1 innings of work. Brewton-Parker and Thomas did not face each other in 2015.
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2016 opponents University of South Carolina Beaufort @USCBAthletics February 12, 2016 | 1:00 p.m. | Hardeeville, S.C. February 13, 2016 | 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. | Hardeeville, S.C. Coach: Bryan Lewallyn | 2015 Record: 33-21 (15-12 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: The Sand Sharks had a historical season as its 33 wins marked its most since the 2012 team finished 41-19 and reached the NAIA World Series and tied for the third-highest win total in program history. USCB finished the regular season in fifth in the Sun Conference behind the powerful bat of Ashly Morris and throwing arm of Junior Delatorre. Morris led the Sand Sharks with a .390 batting average. He drove in a team high 57 runs on 87 hits. Delatorre paced the Sand Sharks with a 7-3 record. The hurler boasted a 3.90 ERA while striking out 89 batters. In the 2015 season, USCB swept Thomas in their three game series in Thomasville (7-3, 8-2, and 7-1).
Georgia Southwestern State University February 16, 2016 | 5:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. April 5, 2016 | 5:00 p.m. | Americus, Ga.
@GSWAthletics
Coach: Bryan McLain | 2015 Record: 13-34 (4-26 Peach Belt Conference) The Breakdown: Head coach Bryan McLain is entering his 13th season as head coach and his 22nd overall with the baseball program at Georgia Southwestern. This year is building up to be potentially one of the most successful under McLain’s leadership. The Hurricanes are looking to turn the tide behind the explosive bat of senior outfielder Brett Burgess. In 2015, Burgess led the Hurricanes with a .318 batting average where he drove in 20 runs on 61 hits. Paul Sorrow was also a major slugger for GSW has he launched eight homeruns for the Hurriances. On the mound, GSW will be led by Lawson Stewart. The junior right-handed pitcher recorded a team low 1.20 ERA, striking out 15 of the 50 batters he faced. In their lone meeting of 2015, Georgia Southwestern edged Thomas 9-6.
Southeastern University February 19, 2016 | 3:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. February 20, 2016 | 12:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@FireAthletics
Coach: Jason Beck | 2015 Record: 38-21 (16-10 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: The Fire are coming off an appearance in the NAIA National Tournament in 2015 where they received an at-large bid to the Daytona Beach bracket. Even though they were swept in the Opening Round series by Rio Grande and Bryan College (Tenn.), the Fire look to use that experience and work their way back to the top of the Sun Conference. Southeastern was tabbed to finish third in the Sun Conference in the preseason coaches poll in November 2015 and will look to key contributions from Luis Diaz to replace the powerful bat of Willi Martin. In 2015, the then ranked No. 13 Fire swept Thomas in all three of its meetings. In late February, SEU defeated Thomas 6-2 and 8-5 in Lakeland and then again during the Sun Conference tournament 6-1.
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2016 opponents Warner University February 26, 2016 | 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. February 27, 2016 | 12:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@WarnerRoyal
Coach: Jeff Sikes | 2015 Record: 15-35-1 (6-20 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: The Royals are looking to make a 360 turn-a-round in the 2016 season after finishing next to last in the Sun Conference in 2015. With this in mind, Warner will look to junior pitching sensation Jordan Pike to carry the squad through a tough TSC schedule. Pike lead the Sun Conference in strikeouts (64), averaging 10.87 an appearance. Offensively, the Royals will rely on right-fielder Broderick Rodocker who led Warner with 65 hits and a .344 batting average. The Royals will struggle with the departure of Kevin Gregg. The third baseman paced the Royals with 28 runs batted in during the 2015 season. In 2015, Thomas won the series against Warner taking 2-out-3 games in Lake Wales, Fla.
Robert Morris University (Ill.) March 4, 2016 | 3:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. | Columbus, Ga. March 5, 2016 | 11:00 & 2:30 p.m. | Columbus, Ga.
@RMUEagles
Coach: Thomas Thornton | 2015 Record: 30-25 (16-13 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic) The Breakdown: Robert Morris yearns to make a move in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference in 2016 after finishing sixth in the conference in 2015. The Eagles are going to be without their two top performers from the 2015 campaign as Andrew Sebastian and Nick Vidas have now moved into coaching roles with the squad. Sebastian lead the Eagles at the plate with a .426 batting average. His 75 hits on the year drove in 44 of RMU 281 runs on the season. Vidas led the Eagles with 42 Ks on the season, averaging 6.87 an appearance. On the base pads, Robert Morris will rely on speedster Wilfredo Feliz who led the CCAC with 34 stolen bases. Robert Morris and Thomas did not face each other in 2015.
Roosevelt University March 6, 2016 | 3:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. March 7, 2016 | 3:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@RooseveltLakers
Coach: Steve Marchi | 2015 Record: 14-23 (12-17 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic) The Breakdown: Roosevelt is looking to make a move in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference in 2016 after finishing 10th in the conference in 2015. The Lakers struggled offensively in 2015 being outscored 218-181 by opponents. Marchi’s squad will be without their top two performers from 2015 as pitcher Brady Kostecki and AJ Neufeld graduated from the Lakers’ program. Kostecki paced the Lakers’ pitching staff with a 2.28 ERA and 37 strikeouts. Neufeld led the Lakers at the plate driving in 20 runs on 43 hits. The second baseman also boasted a team high .381 batting average. Roosevelt and Thomas did not face each other in 2015.
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2016 opponents Bellevue University (Neb.) March 10, 2016 | 9:15 a.m. | Lake Wales, Fla.
@BUBruins
Coach: Duane Monlux | 2015 Record: 46-15 (18-6 North Star Athletic Association) The Breakdown: The Bellevue University baseball team has been picked to win the 2016 North Star Athletic Association title by the coaches in early January. The Bruins, who claimed all 10 first place votes with 100 points in the preseason poll, won the MCAC tournament and came within a game of reaching the Avista-NAIA World Series with an overall record of 46-15 last season. Bellevue was previous ranked 12th nationally in the annual NAIA Baseball Coaches’ Preseason Top 25 Poll. Sixth-year head coach Duane Monlux will lead his charges again in 2016 where big things are again expected from the Bruins who lost three players – SP Steve Sarcone, SP Stephan Meyer, and C Osvaldo Gonzalez – to the professional ranks. Bellevue and Thomas did not face each other in 2015.
St. Ambrose University (Iowa) March 10, 2016 | 1:00 p.m. | Avon Park, Fla.
@SAUBees
Coach: Jim Callahan | 2015 Record: 23-25 (10-14 Midwest Collegiate Conference) The Breakdown: Saint Ambrose faces the Night Hawks in their annual trip to Lake Wales, Fla., for the Warner Inviational in March. There, the Bees are looking to Matt Rosenberger and Anthony Gagliardi to carry the load. Rosenberger paced the Bees with a .382 batting average while driving in 38 runs on 55 hits. On the mound, Gagliardi posted the MCC’s second lowest ERA (1.83) only giving up 14 earned runs on the year. The hurler fanned 40 batters and averaged 5.22 a game. St. Ambrose and Thomas did not face each other in 2015.
Siena Heights University March 11, 2016 | 9:15 a.m. | Lake Wales, Fla.
@SHUSaints
Coach: John Kolasinski | 2015 Record: 19-30 (13-22 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conf.) The Breakdown: The Saints are marching into the 2016 with the hopes of overcoming an eighth place finish in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference in 2015. Siena Height struggled at the plate in 2015 and were outscored by opponents 316-230. As a unit, the Saints collected 396 hits while surrending 473. The Saints went 2-1 against Sun Conference teams in 2015, defeating Webber International 8-6 while spliting with Ave Maria in a two-game set. Zach Dunlop paced Siena Heights at the plate with a .336 batting average. Dunlop led the Saints with 44 hits and 22 RBIs. Siena Heights and Thomas did not face each other in 2015.
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2016 opponents University of Saint Francis March 11, 2016 | 3:30 p.m. | Frostproof, Fla.
@SFCougars
Coach: Greg Roberts | 2015 Record: 16-37 (10-18 Crossroad League16-8) The Breakdown: The Cougars had a sub-par year finishing 11 games below .500 and eighth in the Crossroad League. Saint Francis relied heavily on the bat of DJ Manning and throwing arm of Nathan Coakley during the 2015 season. Manning led the Cougars at the plate with 58 hits and a .301 batting average. He also swiped a team high 14 bases. Coakley’s arm was the backbone of the Cougars as he finished the season with a 3.82 ERA, striking out 47 batters. The Cougars are looking to bounce back in the 2016 season and will face Thomas during the 2016 Warner Invitational in Frostproof, Fla. Thomas defeated Saint Francis 17-2 in their lone meeting of 2015.
Saint Thomas University (Fla.) March 18, 2016 | 2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. March 19, 2016 | 12:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@STU_Athletics
Coach: Jorge Perez | 2015 Record: 48-18 (19-8 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: Coming off last year’s runner up finish in the NAIA World Series, the St. Thomas University baseball team is ranked number one in the nation in the 2016 Perfect Game NAIA Preseason Top 25. The Bobcats, which finished last season with a 48-18 overall record and the best finish in school history, are seeking to capture the first national championship in any sport at St. Thomas University this year. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jorge Perez, the Bobcats return several key performers from last year’s World Series club. Staff ace Ben Ancheff returns along with closer Chris Rodriguez. Also returning on the mound are Alex Viera, Andrew Denis, Alejandro Kan, Alex Hernandez, Brandon Valentin and Tyeler Checkley. A deep group of position players return as well including infielders Michael Centeno, Cesar Ramirez and Bryan Bermudez, catcher Steven Fischer and outfielders Adam Duarte and Oscar Rodriguez. Speedy centerfielder Jose Gomez and first baseman Kendrick Gutierrez are transfers who are expected to make an immediate impact along with pitcher Erne Valdes and designated hitter Oscar Aguirre who are coming off redshirts. Saint Thomas took the series victory over Thomas taking 2-out-3 of their games against the Night Hawks. Thomas upset theBobcats 6-5 in the first game of the series and then dropped the last two 20-2 and 13-3.
Edward Waters College March 22, 2016 | 1:00 p.m.& 3:30 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@EWCTigers
Coach: Reginald A Johnson, II | 2015 Record: 33-22 (13-2 Gulf Coast Athletic Conf.) The Breakdown: The Tigers had a dominating season taking the regular season title in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. The squad led the GCAC in hitting and pitching taking four our of the seven major categories. At the plate, the Orange and Purple were led by Miguel Beltre and Jesse Baker. The duo combined for 148 hits, 17 which were home runs, 120 runs batted in, and a.434 batting average. On the mound, Frederick Belz was a force for the Tigers compiling a 7-2 reocrd and 32 strikeouts in 55 innings of work. Edward Waters and Thomas split the season series with the Night Hawks winning game one 15-12 in 12 innings and the Tigers taking game two 5-3.
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2016 opponents Webber International University March 25, 2016 | 6:00 p.m. | Babson Park, Fla. March 26, 2016 | 12:00 p.m.& 3:00 p.m. | Babson Park, Fla.
@WebberAthletics
Coach: Brad Niethammer | 2015 Record: 32-22 (13-14 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: Webber International finished 2015 with a 32-22 overall record and a 13-14 mark in the Sun Conference, good for 6th place. The Warriors will face five teams that are ranked in the first NAIA Coaches Poll. Webber hosts out-of-conference opponents No. 6 Davenport and No. 12 Bellevue. Sun Conference opposition is strong this season featuring three teams ranked in the top 25 in No. 2 St. Thomas, No. 15 Keiser and RV Southeastern. The regular season opens at home January 30 with a double-header against archrival Warner. The Warriors open Sun Conference play February 19 with a weekend series against Ave Maria. In 2016, Webber International faces off against four of the five ranked teams on the schedule, hosting Southeastern, St. Thomas, Davenport and Bellevue consecutively. The Warriors were swept by in their three game series against Thomas in 2015. The Night Hawks the first two games 12-2 and 6-5 and narrowly pulled out the 7-6 come-from-behind victory in the final game of the series in Thomasville.
Auburn University Montgomery April 6, 2016 | 5:00 p.m. | Ozark, Ala.
@AUMAthletics
Coach: Marty Lovrich | 2015 Record: 40-18 (25-5 Southern States Athletic Conf.) The Breakdown: Following a 2015 campaign in which it won both the Southern States Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships, the Auburn Montgomery baseball team was tabbed No. 13 in the 2016 NAIA Baseball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll. The Warhawks finished last season 40-18 and was the top seed at the Daytona Opening Round site, hosted by Embry-Riddle. AUM, which finished last season ranked 18th, moved up five spots in the preseason poll after earning 285 points. The Warhawks trailed Bellevue (Neb.) by just seven points a missed the top-10 by 36 points. AUM returns 16 letterwinners from last season’s team, including senior all-conference pitcher Cole Goodwin. Goodwin finished 2015 with a 10-1 record and a 3.06 earned run average. The Warhawks also welcome 22 newcomers for the 2016 campaign. Auburn Montgomery and Thomas did not face each other in 2015.
Ave Maria University April 8, 2016 | 5:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga. April 9, 2016 | 12:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. | Thomasville, Ga.
@Gyrenes
Coach: Casey Scott | 2015 Record: 21-34 (8-19 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: The Gyrenes were selected to finish eighth in the Sun Conference’s preseason coaches poll. To finish higher than that in their 2016 campaign, Ave Maria will look to Ryan Keegan to carry the offensive load with the departure of second baseman Aaron Pigna . On the mound, Ave Maria are losing Ray Messner who struck out 48 batters, averaging 7.76 per appearance. The Gyrenes lost their season series to the Night Hawks in 2015. Thomas took games one and two (4-2 and 9-3) while the Gyrenes grabbed game three with a 4-3 victory. This season’s series with Ave Maria will be the host to Thomas’ annual Senior Day festivities and awards day presentation.
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2016 opponents Keiser University April 15, 2016 | 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. | West Palm Beach, Fla. April 16, 2016 | 12:00 p.m. | West Palm Beach, Fla.
@KUSeahawks
Coach: Jeremy Kennedy | 2015 Record: 40-15 (20-5 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: The 2015 regular season Sun Conference champs are looking to defend their title this season after falling short of capturing the TSC tournament title. The Seahawks, who were picked as the preseason runner-up in the TSC, made an appearance in the 2015 NAIA National Tournament, but were eliminated in 11 innings by Lyon (Ark.) in their 10-7 loss. Offensively, Keiser will once again be led by Gabby Mundo and Keivan Berges. The duo combined for a .374 batting average, 147 hits, 17 home runs, and 96 runs batted in. The Seahawks are looking to replace their ace, Cody Gray, who compiled an 8-3 record while striking out 101 batters and boasting a 1.69 ERA, which was third best in the Sun Conference. Keiser, previously Northwood, took the series victory over Thomas winning 2-out-3 games in their weekend set. Thomas won the rubber game 11-10, upsetting the third-ranked Seahawks at Varnedoe Stadium. Keiser won games one and two 7-4 and 13-6, respectively.
Florida Memorial University April 22, 2016 | 12:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. | Miami Gardens, Fla. April 23, 2016 | 11:00 a.m. | Miami Gardens, Fla.
@GoFMULions
Coach: Luis Zarzabal | 2015 Record: 7-42 (2-22 The Sun Conference) The Breakdown: The Lions had an extremely rough 2015 where they finished last in the Sun Conference and managed just seven wins. This season, Florida Memorial is looking to change their tone and will rely on Brian Gonzalez for offensive power this year with the departure of Casey Johnson. Johnson collected 41 hits on the year, leading the Lions with a .350 batting average. Florida Memorial will also look for a new ace on the pitching staff with the departure of Alberto Rosario. The hurler recorded 40 strikeouts and carried a team best 4.34 ERA. Thomas swept the season series with the Lions as they honored and celebrated Senior Day festivities. The Night Hawks won games one and two 8-1 and 12-8 and finished the regular season with a 6-2 victory behind a stellar pitching performance by Ben Overman.
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athletic facilities In the fall of 2012, Thomas University opened its West Campus, which is located at the corner of Pinetree Boulevard and Magnolia Street in Thomasville, Ga., about one mile from the Main Campus. West Campus contains the athletic department’s offices, new Student Life Center, which is home to TU’s athletic training room and state-of-the-art fitness center and weight room, and newly renovated gymnasium. Welcome Lobby in the Student Life Center When you arrive at the Thomas University Athletic Department, you will be greeted by our staff with open arms. Once inside the building, visitors will see our Champions Wall that features past conference championships, national tournament qualifiers, individual recognitions, coach of the year plaques, retired jerseys, national championship trophies, and an assortment of other awards. Guests to the athletic department can relax in our comfy seating area and read a magazine or watch programming on our big screen television. Staff Offices & Magnolia Conference Room The athletic department offices are housed within the Magnolia Street complex. This area of the building features ample space for each coaching staff, administrator, and our sports information department. The office entrance area houses a conference wall that features placards of all Sun Conference members and a sitting area highlighted by the 2004 NAIA Softball National Championship trophy and rings. Just a few steps past the entrance lobby sits the Magnolia Conference Room. There, the TU Athletic Department holds staff meetings, team meetings, pre-game meals, hosts recruits, watches training videos, and uses as a common work place for staff. Teams hold their film sessions, media day meetings, post-game interviews, and other activities in this room on a daily basis. The Magnolia Conference Room features a large table top surface with seating room for groups ranging from two to 25 plus. The room also features a big screen television for film sessions, news, and training videos.
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athletic facilities Fitness Center/Weight Room
Whether you are looking to add inches to your biceps, drop inches from your weight line, or get in a daily healthy fitness routine, the Thomas University Fitness Center and Weight Room are open to all TU students, staff, and faculty during set hours. The fitness center and weight room equipment includes a full range of free weights, supported weights, lifting stations, strength machines, elliptical trainers, treadmills, and bicycles both recumbent and up right. All visitors must present their Thomas University ID upon entry and use a green towel to clean and wipe down the equipment when use is completed.
Varnedoe Stadium Named after Thomasville’s former mayor, Heeth Varnedoe, Jr., Varnedoe Stadium is the home field for Thomas University’s varsity and junior varsity baseball programs. Nestled within the local community, Varnedoe Stadium sits as the neighbor to the Thomas Community Resource Center and a joint park area owned by the City of Thomasville. The field is located next to Armory Field, the home of Thomas University’s softball team. Located 1.1 miles from TU’s West Campus and 2.1 miles from the main campus, Varnedoe Stadium has two pitching bullpens and 3 batting cages for training. From pole to pole, the outfield fence measures, from left to right, 325’-360’-410’-360’-325’ from home plate. The field has a 32 foot backstop behind the plate and a 13 foot warning track down the left and right field lines. While a patron at TU athletic events, fans have a closeto-the-field presence that makes them feel a part of the game. Spectators can enjoy refreshments from the concession stands, pick up Thomas University athletics merchandise, or interact with in-game contests and promotions. Our baseball games are broadcasted live via Stretch Internet and feature live statistics for every home competition via DakStats. Just a short drive from main campus, west campus, and the dorms, students have a scenic atmosphere to show up and cheer on their classmates and fellow Night Hawks.
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athletic facilities Athletic Training Room The athletic training room (ATR) is designed to allow TU’s athletic training staff to prevent injuries, evaluate student-athletes who may have suffered an injury, and offer aid with general questions about sports medicine, injury prevention, health, and fitness. The over 1,600 square foot facility is equipped with observation tables, first aid supplies, rehabilitation equipment, and a 800 square foot cold whirlpool room. The training room serves as a center for student-athletes who have suffered an injury that may require rehabilitation to a muscle group. The ATR enables athletic trainers to process information to follow-up with student-athletes who suffer an injury to ensure they have recovered completely in the future. Athletic Training Room Hours Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Visiting Team Information •The Athletic Training Room (ATR) is located at 1550A Magnolia Street on Thomas University’s West Campus inside the Student Life Building. •The ATR is open at least one hour prior to game time and 30 minutes after the game’s completion. •A Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) will be present at all home events and competitions. •The ATR has an ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hydrocollator packs, and an ice machine available. •Emergency equipment available includes: AED, splint kit, spine board, and crutches. •Each team will be provided with water and cups or water bottles. •The TU athletic training staff will assist teams traveling without an ATC, but please contact the TU’s athletic training office ahead of time to make arrangements. •Teams traveling without an ATC must bring their own medical kit. •If your team is traveling with an ATC and needs to use the ATR, please contact the TU ATR to set up a treatment time.
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university profile
Thomas University is an independent, not-for-profit, regionally-accredited institution whose mission is to provide an educational experience that explores and develops each student’s full potential. Quality education is offered through a highly interactive dynamic learning environment. Students are challenged through rigorous intellectual studies by faculty members who are valued for their professional excellence and expertise both in teaching and in their disciplines. TU faculty choose to teach at Thomas University because of their commitment to teaching and scholarship in the student-centered environment of a small private university. They strive for scholarly and professional achievement as well as service to the student body, university and wider community. TU offers students the opportunity to connect with campus life and with the community at large. Campus activities embrace the city of Thomasville and Thomas County. TU’s campus extends to satellite programs in Tallahassee, Fla.; Moultrie, Ga.; Bainbridge, Ga.; and six other MEd satellite campuses throughout the state of Georgia. In addition, many students complete degrees through TU’s online programs. Many of our students bring the community to us. Our student body includes local professionals returning to college to further their careers. They often bring real world applications to the academic exchange. Our students are ethnically diverse members of our community’s workforce at all levels who choose to pursue educational goals. Thomas University consists of 74 acres on two campuses in Thomasville, Georgia, which is about 34 miles north of Tallahassee, Florida, via U.S. Hwy. 319 and 46 miles from Valdosta, Georgia, via Hwy. 84, which places the city conveniently near Interstates 10 and 75.
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Degree Programs • • • • •
2 Associate Degree Programs 16 Bachelor’s Degree Programs 4 Master’s Degree Programs 1 Dual Master’s Degree Program 2 Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Education Programs • 2 Graduate Certificate Programs • 2 Undergraduate Certificate Programs Class types include traditional face-toface, hybrid and completely online.
administrative staff
Dr. Gary Bonvillian President
Mike Lee Athletic Director
Ricky Zambrano Associate Athletic Director
Jason Hendrix Sports Information Director
Jodi Yambor Sports Psychologist
Terry Maul Faculty Athletic Representative
Brandee Zambrano Head Athletic Trainer
Daniel Parker Assistant Athletic Trainer
Corey Potter Strength & Conditioning Coach
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Green and White
One Team.
One Mission.
One Focus.
FINISH THE TASK!