| Jacob Wolfgramm completes a slide to home plate during a game earlier this season against Ricks College. Wolfgramm added strength at bat along with talent in the outfield this season for the Eagles. After two seasons with the Eagles, Wolfgramm will be moving on, but before he does so, Wolfgramm proved to the SWAC what a talented player he is by securing a spot on the conferences second team roster. Wolfgramm earned this honor for his performance at the SWAC tournament. |
After nearly missing the Scenic West Athletic Conference championship baseball tournament this season, the College of Eastern Utah’s Golden Eagles entered the tourney filled with determination. Although the Eagles season was lined with disappointing losses, the team put the regular season behind them to focus on the games at hand.
The Eagles opened up the St. George tournament against number one ranked Dixie State College. Besides the home field advantage, the Dixie Rebels also had experience on their side. The Rebels who captured the SWAC title last season was looking to repeat and the team did not care who got in the way, including the Eagles.
Despite the fact that the Eagles were the underdogs in the tournament, the team found confidence in knowing that talent was on their side.
The Eagles had loaded the bases early in the second inning. Unfortunately for the Eagles, only one run was made in the inning.
After the second inning, the tide began to turn for the Eagles. The team had 12 straight outs, including seven consecutive strikeouts. It seemed as if all hope was lost as the Eagles struggled to make big plays.
By the seventh inning, the Eagles found themselves down 9-1. The Eagles second run of the game came in the top of the seventh as A.J. Stosich cleared home plate.
The first loss for the Eagles in the double elimination tournament came from the Rebels, 10-2. Therefore, it was do-or-die time for the Eagles who were not ready to board the bus bound for Price.
The second match up for the Eagles was against Utah Valley State College. With the UVSC Wolverines also behind one game in the tournament, each team faced elimination.
Because the stakes were high, the game was highly competative. The Eagles managed to find their swing and walked away with the win, 4-1. The victory then sent the Eagles to the third round of the tournament where the team would meet Southern Idaho, the second ranked team in the SWAC.
The game proved to be one that plagued the Eagles. The team struggled and eventually was eliminated from the tourney by the final score of 8-1.
The tournament continued and by the time everything was said and done, Salt Lake Community College who was not expected to be a strong contender for the championship, captured the title and will now advance to the district playoffs.
Although the championship title slipped through the Eagles claws, the team proved to be loaded with talent. In fact, Kory Drew and Jacob Wolfgramm each were named to the SWAC’s second team for their outstanding outfield performance at the tournament.
For Drew, this is the first season he has played in an Eagles uniform. Next season is bound to be successful for the outfielder from Pleasant Grove who will return to play for CEU.
Wolfgramm on the other hand will move on next season. This was the second season for Wolfgramm who often times was the backbone for the Eagles. Wolfgramm played the field well while giving power to the Eagles hitting line up.
Championships may not have been captured, but this season was exciting for the Eagles who kept their spirits high and never gave up. In fact, the intensity in which the team played with served as an example that winning is not everything, it’s how the game is played that matters.