June 10, 2002

BACK HOME!

We ran into a buzzsaw at Georgia Tech. Their pitching dominated us right from the start, and our pitching was not up to the challenge of their hitters. Every season has to come to an end, but there are years where you just think it can go on and on. This was one of those years.

Maybe I was naive to think that we could win this Super Regional and advance to Omaha. I didn't really think we were that talented a team to be in that company, but I knew our players felt they were. When we left Alabama our confidence level was at its peak. But falling behind early in the first game made our hitters struggle even more against a good Georgia Tech pitcher.

After Friday's loss,I felt that if we could just hold them down early, we would be alright. Just like the first game, Tech jumped out in front and we couldn't catch up. In retrospect, I wish we had thrown more left handed pitching against them. However, nothing in our scouting reports gave us an indication to do so.

This should be my last diary entry, but I may prolong it a little longer. Writing these has become something that I enjoy doing. There is also more spinning in my head about this year that I'm not sure I am ready to put down. My computers at home and in the office are both temporarily down, so I am borrowing one to just get this out. I really would like to spend more time thinking through what needs to be said, but I have been home about five days in the last three weeks and need to get some things done.

I will say that I am as proud of this bunch of guys as any that I have coached. They have accompished more than any athletic team in FAU's history, and have left a legacy for those who come after. They also were a great bunch of guys.

FAU is a great place to coach baseball. What makes it special is the type of kid that comes here. Last weekend was like a family reunion. We had alums from my first year up to the present in attendance. It was a special moment for us. I appreciate the effort in those guys and the other fans who made the trip to see us in such a big game.

Our Alumni Association was generous enough to host a reception for our players after Saturday's game. I thought this would be tough to face after losing, but it really served as a very cathartic experience for our players and their families. It was nice to have everyone together and share in the sorrow while reflecting on the joy that was this season. As a parent with a son in attendance, I can tell you it meant a lot. Thank you Lee Collier and your staff. It was a very nice ending to a rough evening. I also need to thank Associate Athletic Director Melissa Dawson for arranging the pregame tailgate for our parents and fans. Melissa said she likes traveling with us because we have great parents. She's right. And lastly, I would like to thank all the people who called and emailed their congratulations on our regional championship. It meant a lot.

Tomorrow I hope to write about the draft and some of our players. KC