Crusaders Crowned the Kings of College Baseball
Brayden Allen, Sports Editor
The fall sports season at North Greenville University is officially underway. It’s a time of excitement and optimism as athletes arrive and hit the field for the first time. However, this year starts off unlike any other. Never in the history of NGU has the school year started with such celebration.
The fall semester began on August 17 with the celebration of the 2022 Division II National Championship baseball team. The Crusaders brought the first ever sports championship to Tigerville on June 10 after defeating Point Loma 5-3 in Cary, NC at the DII College World Series.
“It’s a crazy feeling,” Senior Catcher John Micheal Faile said. “There are so many obstacles to overcome at NGU so it was a really special moment.”
This was such a unique event not only for the school but for the team as well. The 2022 season marked the first ever championship appearance for the Crusaders who, in years past, struggled to push beyond the NCAA Regional Series.
“In my four years here we have been so close and knocking the door down every year,” Faile said. “Something clicked last year, and that team just refused to lose.”
The Crusaders not only advanced past the Regional and Super Regional but went undefeated at the World Series.
Going into the offseason the team must reevaluate. A key will be preventing complacency, coming off such a high point for the program.
“We are not satisfied with one. We are hungry for more,” Faile said. “In my eyes now that we have won, there is nothing else to do but win again.”
The Crusaders will also add new faces into the program as the team loses starters at four key positions. Key losses include Center Fielder Josh Senter, Right Fielder Ethan Stringer, Second Baseman Gehrig Octavio and First Baseman Jordan Holladay.
Falie said that the Championship win assisted in recruiting many quality prospects to add to the team.
“This is huge for the program because people see now that you can come here, compete at a high level and compete for a National Championship.” Faile said. “This is high level baseball.”
Going into the offseason the Crusaders have added key additions into the program. Shortstop Jalen Vasquez from South Carolina, infielder Davis Heller from Alabama and UNC-Greensboro transfers Caleb Freeman and Colin Fowler all look to come in fighting for starting roles. Freshman including standout two-way player Carter Dierdorf also look to make an impact.
North Greenville looks to begin offseason training this fall as they prepare for the 2023 season.
