IS IT TIME TO RE-THINK ODAC AFFILIATION?

Editorial:  Is it time for W&L to re-think affiliation with the ODAC? The spectacle of a baseball game shortened by umpires after W&L stormed back to within a run of first place Bridgewater at Smith Field Tuesday cannot help but leave one wondering if the mentality of the ODAC is "as Bridgewater fares, so goes the ODAC."

  With the possible exception of Hampden-Sydney, other ODAC schools are not in the same league academically as W&L. It is remarkable that W&L is able to compete in the ODAC as well as it does with its high admissions standards. It certainly would be a more level playing field for W&L to compete in a conference with schools such as Centre College, Rhodes, Sewanee and Oglethorpe of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC). W&L was a charter member of the fore-runner of the SCAC, which was founded and began operation on September 1, 1962, as the College Athletic Conference (CAC). Centre College of Danville, Kentucky; Southwestern at Memphis (Tennessee) (now known as Rhodes College); The University of the South of Sewanee, Tennessee; and Washington and Lee University were the four charter members of the conference. Later in 1962, Washington University of St. Louis, Missouri, became the fifth member and the CAC remained unchanged until 1972. W&L was a member until 1973, and has been a member of the ODAC since 1976. Such schools have similar academic and athletic goals, and have fared better in Division III athletic rankings, as well.

  Another conference with emphasis on academics, as reflected in admissions standards,  as well as athletics, is the Centennial  conference with such schools as Johns Hopkins, Dickinson, Haverford, Swarthmore, Gettysburg, Franklin & Marshall and Muhlenburg. If distance and cost is a factor, these schools are closer than SCAC schools, but have more in common with W&L than Bridgewater, Lynchburg, Roanoke and Eastern Mennonite. Even members of the President's Athletic Conference, Bethany, Grove City, Thiel, Westminster, and Washington and Jefferson have more in common with W&L's academics and athletics than most ODAC schools. The distance between schools is greater  than the distance to Centennial Conference schools, but closer than SCAC schools. What about going independent, like highly successful and academically noted Emory University? W&L plays many of the schools mentioned in this article, anyway. Other schools the Generals have faced in other sports include Denison and Trinity. Why not go to a schedule of nationally recognized schools? W&L is a great national university, and should consistently compete with other nationally renowned schools.

  W&L draws scholar athletes from all around the country - just look at the roster of any of its athletic teams. This is because of the quality of the student athletes matriculating at one of the top liberal arts schools in the country. Don't they deserve better than to compete in the provincial ODAC? 

   I suppose costs, and travel time for student athletes will probably dictate the conference affiliation for W&L athletics. If the Generals are not going to another conference, our student athletes deserve the best facilities and conditions of play. Cap'n Dick Smith is a quality field, but the addition of lights could have prevented the spectacle which occurred Tuesday. Most high school baseball programs this writer has observed have field lights. Why doesn't Smith Field have lights?  Is it time to re-think W&L's athletic conference affiliation? Is it time for W&L to re-assess its athletic viz academic commitment to its student athletes? (Author not affiliated with Washington and Lee University, or its athletic progams.)

Sunday, March 5
ALL CONFERENCE GENERALS

FOUR GENERALS NAMED ALL- ODAC

LEXINGTON, Va. -- The Washington and Lee baseball team had four players named to the All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference Team. Sophomore second baseman David Miller (Oak Hill, Va./Oakton) and sophomore designated hitter Jordan Wesley (Winston-Salem, N.C./R.J. Reynolds) earned first team honors, while senior catcher Zach Bausch (Vienna, Va./McLean) and junior first baseman Taylor McConnell (Vestal, N.Y./Vestal) were named to
the second team.

       Miller, who was one of four Generals to start all 40 games, led the team with a school-record 161 at-bats and 21 walks. He also finished second on the team in batting average (.391), hits (63), RBI (33), runs (41), and stolen bases (6), while hitting 11 doubles. In a 22-1 win over ODAC-rival Randolph-Macon on March
12, Miller went 4-for-7 with a double, triple, two runs and a career-high six RBI.

   Wesley, who was also named to the ODAC All-Tournament team, batted .347 with 41 hits, three homeruns, 10 doubles, 23 runs, and 30 RBI. His .508 slugging percentage also ranked third on the team. Wesley went 2-for-4 with a pair of homeruns and three RBI in a 13-4 win over Hampden-Sydney on March 13. In the ODAC Tournament, Wesley batted .444 (8-for-18) with three runs, three doubles, and seven RBI.

Bausch, who earned First Team All-ODAC honors as a sophomore, batted .355 with 54 hits, two homeruns, 11 doubles, 24 RBI, and 29 runs. In the win over Randolph-Macon, he went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a homerun, three RBI, and scored four runs. Bausch finished his career ranked among the Top-10 at W&L in doubles (41 - 2nd), hits (155 - 4th), average (.361 - 5th), at-bats (429 - 5th), RBI (81 - T8th), and games played (111- T8th).

McConnell, a two-time ODAC Player of the Week, had a stellar season for the Generals. He set single-season records for hits (67), doubles (24), RBI (56), and total bases (114), while also leading the team in batting average (.427), homeruns (7), slugging percentage (.726), and on-base percentage (.477). In the ODAC Tournament, McConnell batted .529 (9-for-17) with four runs, six doubles, and eight RBI.

W&L finished its season with a 27-13 overall record and a 10-8 mark in the ODAC.

2005 Season, Schedule, Games, Box Scores, Photos and Highlights
Click the above link to go to the 2005 Schedule. Click Game link, and it will take you to the Box Score, Highlights and Photos for each game.

MULHERN THIRD GENERAL TO PLAY PRO BALL

MULHERN SIGNS PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL CONTRACT
Former General to Play For Gateway Grizzlies of the Independent Leagues

Bryan Mulhern

LEXINGTON, Va. -- Former Washington and Lee baseball player Bryan Mulhern (Chadds Ford, Pa./Unionville) has signed a professional baseball contract to play for the Gateway Grizzlies of the Independent Frontier League.

Mulhern signed a one-year contract with the club and will report to the team's spring training site on May 11.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to continue my playing career," said Mulhern. "Playing professionally has been a goal and dream of mine since a young age and I am grateful for the opportunity that the Grizzlies’ organization has extended to me. I’d also like to thank coaches (Jeff) Stickley, (Eric) Brookes, (David) Sigler and (Mike) Walsh for their encouragement and help throughout the process."

Mulhern added "Hopefully this opportunity will provide greater opportunities in baseball down the road in some capacity whether that be signing with an affiliated club or someday getting the chance to coach."

The Independent Leagues offer baseball prospects a chance to play professional baseball while also continuing the opportunity to showcase their wares to Major League scouts.

The Grizzlies, located in Sauget, Ill., play a 97-game schedule which runs from May through September.

At Washington and Lee, Mulhern was a four-year letterwinner and a two-year captain. A two-time First Team All-ODAC selection, he played the outfield, pitched and caught for the Generals. Mulhern finished his career with a .341 average, 33 doubles, 20 homeruns and a school-record 130 RBI. On the mound, he went 9-4 with a 2.57 ERA in 112.0 innings of work.

Mulhern is the third W&L baseball player to sign a professional contract in the last six years. He joins Christian Batcheller ‘00 who was drafted in the 46th round of the 1999 Major League Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates and Michael Hanson '03 who signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Braves in the summer of 2003.

LEXINGTON, VA--Senior left hander Peter Dean earned Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Pitcher of theYear honors as five Washington and Lee baseball players
were named to the 2004 All-ODAC team, announced Tuesday afternoon.

   Joining Dean on the first team was senior right fielder Bryan Mulhern. Senior shortstop Austin Allain, Senior right hander Dan Kagey and sophomore second baseman Scott Gosselink were all named to the second team.

   Dean, who is making his third appearance on the First-Team All-ODAC squad, was named the top pitcher in the conference after setting the school record for wins in a season with a 9-2 overall mark this season, including a school record three shutouts. In a school-record 88.2 innings pitched this season, he recorded a 2.33 ERA and 64 strikeouts with just 11 walks. Dean wraps up his collegiate career with a W&L- and ODAC-record 29 wins versus just seven losses and school records in career strikeouts (232), career appearances (54), career innings pitched (290.2) and career ERA (2.20).

   Mulhern received his second-straight first-team nod after finishing the season third on the team with a .360 batting average and 50 hits, which included 38 RBI, 12 doubles and a school record tying nine home runs.

   Gosselink received second-team laurels after leading the Generals with a .380 batting average and 34 runs scored. He also finished second on the team with 52 hits, including nine doubles and five home runs, while driving in 25 runs.

   Allain earned second team honors for the second-straight season after hitting .304 with 21 RBI and 38 runs. Kagey went 6-3 from the mound with a 3.98 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 72.1 innings pitched.

   Washington and Lee finished the season 21-16 overall, 11-7 in the ODAC and went 4-2 in the ODAC Tournament before falling in the title game for its second-straight runner-up finish. Courtesy of Brian Laubscher, W&L's Sports Information Director.

GENERALS IN ODAC TITLE GAME 2ND YEAR IN A ROW
5 Generals named to All-Tournament Team
VA. WESLEYAN TOPS NEVER SAY DIE GENERALS 12-8 IN ODAC TITLE GAME

LYNCHBURG, VA--Top-seeded Virginia Wesleyan defeated fifth-seeded Washington and Lee, 12-8 in the championship game of the 2004 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Baseball Tournament held at Lynchburg City Stadium.

   The Marlins (31-10) were led by Stephen Hatcher who was 4-for-4 with a double, three RBI and a run scored. Brandon Hill was 3-for-4 with a double, RBI and three runs scored while Paul Johnson was 2-for-3 with a homerun, two RBI and three runs scored. John Kasiski and Ron Easley also chipped in with two hits apiece for Virginia Wesleyan. Catcher Mike Supa also had a homerun for the Marlins.

   
Washington and Lee (21-16) was paced by catcher Xac Bausch who was 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored. Scott Gosselink, Clayton Edwards, Bryan Mulhern, Taylor McConnell and Paul Sibley all recorded doubles for the Generals.

Chris Rivera (4-0) got the win, throwing six innings and giving up six runs on 10 hits and striking out three. Ace Purvis pitched the final three innings, giving up two runs on six hits and striking out four.

Dan Kagey (6-3) took the loss, facing five batters in the first inning, and giving up four runs on three hits and walking one. Mike Wert threw five innings for the Generals, allowing six runs on eight hits and striking out three. Brian Higgins threw the final three innings for W&L, giving up two runs on five hits and striking out one.

With the victory, Virginia Wesleyan now receives the ODAC's automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament.

2004 ODAC All- Tournament Team
ODAC All-Tournament Team is listed below:

Stephen Hatcher, Virginia Wesleyan
Anthony Palmisano, Lynchburg
Sean Abell, Lynchburg
Clayton Edwards, Washington and Lee
Xac Bausch, Washington and Lee
Colin Roberson, Virginia Wesleyan
Paul Sibley, Washington and Lee
Peter Dean, Washington and Lee
Derrick Rawlings, Virginia Wesleyan
John Kasiski, Virginia Wesleyan
Bryan Mulhern, Washington and Lee
Most Outstanding Player - Brent Voyovich, Virginia Wesleyan

2004 Games, Boxscores, Pictures & Highlights
Click the above Headline to go to the 2004 Schedule. Then Click on Game to see pictures, stories, boxscores and highlights!

2003 SEASON GAMES, BOXSCORES, PLAY BY PLAY

2003 SEASON RELIVE EACH GAME OF THIS RECORD BREAKING SEASON Click  games below for  Scores of Each Game Page in a New Window With Summary, Pictures, Boxscores & Play by Play 1. Washington and Lee 13, Oglethorpe 1 2. Emory 9, Washington and Lee 3 3. Washington and Lee 3, Oglethorpe 2 4. Emory & Henry 8, Washington and Lee 5 * 5. Washington and Lee 26, Emory & Henry 1 * 6. Washington and Lee 9, Mary Washington 2 7. Washington and Lee 12, Hampden-Sydney 1 * 8. Washington and Lee 6, Hampden-Sydney 2 * 9. Washington and Lee 12, West Virginia Tech 7 10. Washington and Lee 4, West Virginia Tech 0 11. Washington and Lee 10, Mt. Aloysius 5 12. Washington and Lee 17, Randolph-Macon 4 * 13. Washington and Lee 4, Randolph-Macon 3 * 14. Washington and Lee 4, Bridgewater 2 * 15. Washington and Lee 7, Eastern Mennonite 1 * 16. Washington and Lee 15, Eastern Mennonite 2 * 17. Washington and Lee 3, Bridgewater 2 * 18. Washington and Lee 15, Hartwick 2 19. Washington and Lee 3, Virginia Wesleyan 0 * 20. Virginia Wesleyan 7, Washington and Lee 3 * 21. Washington and Lee 17, Roanoke 6 * 22. Washington and Lee 1, Lynchburg 0 * 23. Washington and Lee 8, Lynchburg 0 * 24. Washington and Lee 5, Roanoke 1 * 25. Southern Virginia 5, Washington and Lee 1 26. Guilford 5, Washington and Lee 4 * 27. Washington and Lee 14, Guilford 3 * 28. Washington and Lee 16, Lynchburg 1 ** 29. Washington and Lee 3, Bridgewater 1 ** 30. Virginia Wesleyan 7, Washington and Lee 2 ** 31. Washington and Lee 6, Bridgewater 4 ** 32. Washington and Lee 5, Virginia Wesleyan 4 ** 33.Virginia Wesleyan 11, Washington and Lee 3 ** 34. Washington and Lee 4, Villa Julie 3 35. Washington and Lee 7, Savannah A&D 2 36. Savannah A&D 4, Washington and Lee 3 * Denotes Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Game ** Denotes ODAC Tournament Game

All-American Michael Hanson

MICHAEL HANSON NAMED TO ALL-AMERICA BASEBALL TEAM

ALLIANCE, Ohio--Washington and Lee senior shortstop Michael Hanson was named to the ABCA/Rawlings Division III All-America baseball team which was released on Friday morning. Hanson was placed on the third team, making him just the second baseball player in W&L history to have earned All-America honors. Hanson joins Thad Ellis '82, who garnered Third Team All-America honors following the 1980 season. The 2003 Old Dominion Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Hanson earned Second Team All-ODAC honors his first two seasons before garnering first team honors each of the past two campaigns.

Michael Hanson

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Hanson, Dean Named to 1st Team ODAC & All-South Region

	Peter Dean
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LEXINGTON, Va. -- The Old Dominion Athletic Conference released its all-conference baseball team on Wednesday morning and Washington and Lee placed junior shortstop Michael Hanson (Atlanta, Ga./Pace Academy) and sophomore pitcher Peter Dean (Vienna, Va./James Madison) on the first team.

Hanson garnered first team accolades after starting all 34 games and leading the squad with a batting average of .364. He set new W&L single season records with six triples and 43 runs scored and concluded the 2002 campaign as the W&L all-time leader in triples (10) and runs scored (102). In addition, Hanson led the team in hits (47), home runs (4), total bases (79) and slugging percentage (.612). He also contributed eight doubles, 15 runs batted in and was 18-of-20 in stolen base attempts. Hanson was a Second Team All-ODAC selection as a freshman and sophomore.

Dean was one of two pitchers selected First Team All-ODAC after posting a 6-3 record and finishing second in the conference with a 2.12 earned run average. He appeared in 14 games for the Generals, firing three complete games and one shutout. Dean finished second in the ODAC with 64 strikeouts and third in the conference with 80 2/3 innings pitched, while opponents hit just .257 off the lefty. In his two years at W&L, Dean has compiled a 12-3 record with 95 strikeouts.

Washington and Lee junior shortstop Michael Hanson(Atlanta, Ga./Pace Academy) and sophomore pitcher Peter Dean (Vienna, Va./James Madison) were named to the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Division III All-South Region Team on Tuesday afternoon. Both players earned second team accolades.

The selection mark the first time in the history of the W&L baseball program that two players earned all-region honors in the same season.

Hanson garnered a spot on the second team after starting all 34 games and leading the squad with a batting average of .364. He set W&L single-season records with six triples and 43 runs scored and concluded the 2002 campaign as the W&L all-time leader in triples (10) and runs scored (102). In addition, Hanson led the team with 47 hits, four home runs, 79 total bases and a .612 slugging percentage. He also contributed eight doubles, 15 runs batted in and was 18-of-20 in stolen base attempts. Hanson earned First Team All-ODAC honors this season being second team selections as a freshman and sophomore.

Dean, who was also a First Team All-ODAC pick this season, appeared in 14 games for the Generals, firing three complete games with one shutout. The lefty posted a 6-3 record and finished second in the conference in earned run average (2.12) and strikeouts (64), and third in the ODAC with 80 2/3 innings pitched. In addition, he limited opponents to a .257 batting average. In his two years at W&L, Dean has compiled a 12-3
record with 95 strikeouts and a 2.45 ERA, currently the lowest career ERA in W&L history.

The Generals finished the season with an overall record of 18-15-1.

-- GENERALS --


PETER DEAN EARNS ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT LAURELS

PETER DEAN EARNS ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT LAURELS
Junior Pitcher Named To First Team

LEXINGTON, Va. -- Junior pitcher Peter Dean was named to the 2003 Verizon Academic All-District College Division Baseball team announced Thursday. He was a first team honoree. A pre-med major, Dean carries a 3.61 cumulative grade-point average. The Verizon Academic All-District team includes players from small colleges in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Dean moves onto the national ballot and could earn Verizon Academic All-America Honors.

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W&L PLayers, Coaches & Parents Honor Patricia Lyles

	In Honor of Patricia Nolan Lyles
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LEXINGTON, VA, April 20, 2002 -- Seniors Matt Kozora and Todd Gosselink will present Coach Joe Lyles a beautiful plaque from the players, coaches and parents of the 2002 Baseball team in honor of a dear and beloved Generals Baseball fan, Patricia Nolan Lyles, who passed away this spring. You are invited to join us in honoring Patricia and Joe. Click the thumbnail image to view this tribute to a great lady.