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We’re in the summer lull for college sports, but that doesn’t mean there’s not still things to talk about. Here’s some of what’s been happening in the past few days.
After shepherding the Beavers through six elimination games in Omaha on the way to their third national championship, Coach Pat Casey has earned some well deserved accolades. Earlier this week, Collegiate Baseball named him their Coach of the Year. This is the third time Casey has won the award, having previously taken the title in 2006 and 2007, when the Beavers won their first two championships.
Congratulations to Pat Casey, who has been named the National Coach of the Year by @CBNewspaper #GoBeavs pic.twitter.com/KBfNzjofcU
— Oregon State Baseball (@BeaverBaseball) July 2, 2018
Earlier today, Casey was also named Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association.
Casey isn’t the only Beaver receiving honors. Kevin Abel, who’s shutdown performance in the final game of the College World Series gave the Beavers the title, has been named Freshman of the Year by D1 Baseball. Abel didn’t just perform in the final game; he went 4-0 in Omaha, the first time that has ever happened in the College World Series.
BREAKING: Congratulations to our 2018 @d1baseball Freshman of the Year, @BeaverBaseball's Kevin Abel (@Kabel_23). When the #Beavs needed him the most, he was simply the best. https://t.co/p9aolzv7nf pic.twitter.com/htVFYeDAfE
— D1Baseball.com (@d1baseball) July 5, 2018
With the season wrapped up, a few Beavers are starting to make their way to the pros. Things got started on Monday, with Nick Madrigal, Cadyn Grenier, and Michael Gretler all signing contracts. Madrigal is joining the White Sox, Grenier is joining the Orioles, and Gretler is joining the Pirates.
Truly, thank you for everything beaver nation! Thank you for joining me on the journey, where I not only grew and matured as a baseball player, but also as a man. I am so proud to have worn the orange and black, and to have played in front of the BEST fans in the nation! #gobeavs https://t.co/7AOrnXZY4n
— Steven Kwan (@skwanzaa) July 4, 2018
Steven Kwan was the next Beaver to sign, joining the Indians organization. That leaves Trevor Larnach as the last Beaver drafted yet to sign. Larnach was drafted by Minnesota, and is expected to sign once the Twins work things out with their other draft picks.
Michael Gretler wasted no time getting his pro career started. The Pirates’ new third baseman has been assigned to the West Virginia Black Bears, and started in their Fourth of July game against the Williamsport Crosscutters. Gretler got a hit and a run in the Black Bears 7-5 win.
Welcome to the Black Bears, @Gretzz_10! The third baseman picked up his first professional hit on a single in the fourth inning.
— WV Black Bears (@WVBlackBears) July 5, 2018
End 4| Black Bears 4, Crosscutters 2 pic.twitter.com/eKRr8NQamO
The Women’s Soccer Team is getting ready for the start of their season next month, and just announced their schedule. The Beavers will host 10 games at Lorenz Field this year, so be sure to get out there and support the team if you can. In their season opener on August 17, the Beavers will host Clemson.
The Football Team has announced that their first Fall Camp under new coach Jonathan Smith will bring them back to Bend. This is the third season in a row Bend has hosted the Beavers’ fall camp. Practices will be held at Summit High School, and their is a scrimmage and an autograph session open to the public on August 23.