News From Terre Haute, Indiana

Sports

Related Photos

  • Rick Morgan/Stadium Media Solid base: Indiana State's baseball team will have enough returning players to form a solid nucleus next season. Rick Morgan/Stadium Media

    P6029245.jpg

Discussion

Welcome to our online comments feature. We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean. We reserve the right to remove comments that are obscene, racist or abusive and statements that are false or unverifiable as well as posts that are attacking other users. Repeat offenders will be blocked. You may flag objectionable comments for review by a moderator.
comments powered by Disqus
June 4, 2012

Taken as a whole, ISU baseball season was special

Todd Golden The Tribune-Star

EUGENE, Ore. — If the end of Indiana State’s baseball season – when it went 0-2 in the NCAA Regional, lost six in a row and seven of its last eight games – is what is remembered by some Sycamores fans, well, that’s only human nature.

We tend to remember beginnings and ends more so than the whole.

But it’s also unfortunate and not always accurate. While the Sycamores did not end the 2012 campaign to the standard they had set for themselves, the truth is that the standard they set had been cemented by a season of excellence.

ISU won its first Missouri Valley Conference regular season championship – in the best MVC season since 1999 from an RPI standpoint. It finished with its first 40-win season (41-19) since 1992.

It claimed its first MVC Player of the Year in catcher Jeremy Lucas. It also claimed Newcomer of the Year with No. 1 starting pitcher Dakota Bacus.

Along the way, there were a 13-game winning streak, series wins on 12 consecutive weekends, series and/or midweek wins over NCAA Tournament teams Dallas Baptist and Missouri, and several other memories that served to make 2012 one of the best seasons in recent ISU memory.

The Sycamores accomplished all of this after being picked a pedestrian fourth by the MVC’s coaches and lower by some national publications in the preseason.

“Indiana State has had a strong tradition in the past, but it hasn’t been at this level for a long time. To get back there will definitely make it easier the next time,” ISU coach Rick Heller said.

What should probably be remembered most were the contributions of a large group of upperclassmen. Ten seniors have the legacy of a 138-87 mark during the last four seasons of the program.

Many of the upperclassmen were recruited by former coach Lindsay Meggs, but they shepherded a smooth transition to Heller, who augmented the team he inherited with players of his own, particularly on the pitching staff.

“It was pretty special for us. We made that run [at the 2011 MVC Tournament] and that made us come together for this year. We helped build it, now we want to make sure it goes farther next year,” Walterhouse said.

The legacy of those upperclassmen will be tested in 2013. There were four starters among the 10 seniors who are departing (Walterhouse, Kyle Burnam, Lucas Hileman and Jon Hedges), in addition to important relievers such as Reggie Hochstedler, Chris Machado and Brandon Dorsett.

In addition, it is a near certainty that starting pitchers Bacus and Ryan Torgerson will be taken in the Major League Baseball draft. Lucas is a near certainty to be drafted as well. Other Sycamores position players such as Rob Ort and Koby Kraemer are eligible to be drafted.

“These guys who are leaving us left a great legacy for the guys coming behind them. The guys I inherited did a tremendous job of buying in and playing the style I wanted to play. This is the group who took us over the hump,” Heller said.

In other words, the Sycamores have several holes to fill, but they do have enough returning players to form a nucleus.

Shortstop Tyler Wampler will anchor the infield. Kraemer – who has one year of eligibility remaining after sitting out the 2010 season due to injury – could return too if he’s not drafted.

Landon Curry had a fine freshman season and could return to outfield duty presuming the team works with him in the offseason.

The starting pitching staff returns Sean Manaea, who had 115 strikeouts, tied for the third-best total in team history. Midweek starter Kyle Rupe figures to move into the weekend rotation next year.

Outfielders Owen Conway and Casey McCurdy also return. Infielder Jordan Pearson is a solid defensive option.

Two familiar transfers should contribute in 2013. Terre Haute native Jacob Hayes will be eligible after transferring from Ohio State. Hayes could fill Hedges’ starting spot at first. Robinson, Ill., native Derek Hannahs, who came to ISU with Hayes from the Buckeyes, could help solidify the infield.

Heller is excited about his recruiting class. Catcher Taylor Steen, from Grand Forks, N.D., might get a chance to fill Lucas’ starting spot at catcher.

Terre Haute North’s Tony Rosselli will join the fold, too, along with Evansville Mater Dei shortstop Hunter Owen. Junior college transfer Mike Fitzgerald could challenge for time at first base, along with Portage High School recruit Michael Jercha.

Pitchers coming aboard include junior college left-hander Jeff Degano, a Canadian by way of Marshalltown (Iowa) Community College. True freshmen Bobby Boynton (right-handed), Jeff Hackworth (left-handed) and Nick Martin (right-handed) are also Terre Haute-bound.

“We have a good nucleus in place. If we can make it back here, we’ll have a different feel when we get back here,” Heller said.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Sports
  • West Vigo softball holds off nemesis Edgewood in softball sectional

    Ice cream was enough of a reward Monday night after the West Vigo Vikings beat eight-time defending champion Edgewood 6-2 in extra innings in the opening game of the Class 3A softball sectional at Edgewood High School. But that’s not what Vikings want.

    May 21, 2013

  • SPT0511613manaea3.jpg ISU baseball hoping Manaea can get its MVC Tournament moving in right direction

    Indiana State’s baseball team has been waiting all season for its stars to align.
    But this is the 2013 Sycamores, after all, and after a season in which seemingly little has gone right, it appears its stars will remain crossed at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

    May 21, 2013 1 Photo

  • PREP ROUNDUP: Shakamak's Green hits two homers in win over West Vigo

    Shakamak improved to 22-3 on the season behind a complete-game effort from Brett Yeryar, and Patrick Green hit two solo home runs in a high school baseball game Monday.

    May 21, 2013

  • Terre Haute North offense unable to get going in loss to Mooresville

    Jack Kirchner chose to give credit Monday night to Mooresville pitcher Taylor Chitwood, not to the Greg Maddux-size strike zone she seemed to enjoy.
    But if there were no excuses forthcoming from Kirchner and his Terre Haute North High School softball team, it wouldn’t have been hard to find a spectator or two to come up with extenuating circumstances about the Patriots’ 4-1 loss at the Class 4A Martinsville Sectional.

    May 21, 2013

  • SPT042213relaywelkergoatee.jpg Terre Haute North looking strong going into girls track regional

    Terre Haute North might need an off night for anyone to catch them in the girls track regional at Evansville Central.
    The Patriots are as well-rounded as they’ve ever been, and two relay teams are state contenders with times ranking No. 2 in Indiana among times recorded all spring.
    Terre Haute South, Northview and Sullivan have athletes among the contenders in multiple events as well.

    May 21, 2013 1 Photo

  • ISU sending largest group yet to postseason

    On the heels of their thrilling double victory at the 2013 Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships both the Indiana State men and women moved up in the national rankings which were released Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

    May 21, 2013

  • South tennis ready for potential challenge in regional

    Terre Haute South and Northview take respective records of 10-5 and 11-5 into the Greencastle Regional today.

    May 21, 2013

  • softballsecs.jpg Softball sectionals up for grabs

    All three Vigo County high schools and Northview appear to have a realistic chance of winning sectional championships in softball this week.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • Rose to send 5 to national finals

    Five Rose-Hulman athletes have qualified for the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships later this week at Wisconsin-LaCrosse.

    May 20, 2013

  • Terre Haute South, Northview vie for tennis regional title

    Terre Haute South and Northview take respective records of 10-5 and 11-5 into the Greencastle Regional today.
    Coach Bill Blankenbaker’s Braves will play Seeger at 4:30 p.m., while coach Emily Goff’s Knights will take on Crawfordsville about 6 p.m.

    May 20, 2013

Local Interest
softballsecs.jpg

Softball sectionals

High School
College
SPT0511613manaea3.jpg

Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Starter: Sean Manaea started on the mound for Indiana State to start their last MVC series of the year.

  • ISU baseball hoping Manaea can get its MVC Tournament moving in right direction

    Indiana State’s baseball team has been waiting all season for its stars to align.
    But this is the 2013 Sycamores, after all, and after a season in which seemingly little has gone right, it appears its stars will remain crossed at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

    May 21, 2013 1 Photo

  • ISU track sending record 22 to postseason

    On the heels of their thrilling double victory at the 2013 Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships both the Indiana State men and women moved up in the national rankings which were released Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

    May 20, 2013

  • SPT 043013 ACE HUNT TROPHY.jpg ISU's athletic treasure trove

    Think of every championship that Indiana State has won in each of its sports, past and present. Think of every tournament — postseason or regular season — which the Sycamores have claimed as their own.

    May 19, 2013 9 Photos 2 Links

  • Ort sets ISU RBI record in 16-7 win

    Robby Ort celebrated his Indiana State baseball Senior Day on Saturday by becoming the Sycamores’ all-time leader in RBIs as ISU ended its regular season with a 16-7 win over Bradley at Bob Warn Field.

    May 19, 2013

  • Bradley ends 16-game MVC losing streak against ISU

    Momentum was the only thing riding on Indiana State’s baseball game against Bradley on Friday. With a five-game winning streak going, ISU wanted to keep the good vibes going into next week’s Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
    ISU couldn’t do it.

    May 18, 2013

Sports Columns
Pro Sports
Terre Haute Rex
SPT 071512 DORSETT FILE.jpg

Consultation: Rex manager Brian Dorsett talks with his pitcher and players during a time-out Sunday, July 15, at Sycamore Field. (Tribune-Star file/Bob Poynter)

Colts
Auto Racing
Latest News
Multimedia

Like us on Facebook!
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
TribStar.com Poll
Front page
AP Video
Athletes come to aid of Oklahoma tornado victims Tiger Woods on his relationship with Sergio Garcia NBA Draft: Top 5 Prospects VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal Race Preview: Charlotte Motor Speedway Behind the Seams: Big Spenders are Busts Red Wings take 2-1 series lead McReynolds: Johnson Coca-Cola 600 favorite? McReynolds: 48 Team primed for Chase Myers: 'We still need to do some evaluating as to what exactly we need' Weekend Recruiting Wrap Heat vs. Pacers: Playoff grudge match Triple Play: Miguel Cabrera, Giants, and Rays Globe 10.0: Can the Bruins young defensemen keep playing well? Does Tiger feel he should clear the air with Sergio? In a word: no. Redskins looking to find edge at the tight end position Galiardi: 'We think we're the better team' Kevin Dupont discusses Bruins-Rangers Game 2 Singer forgets lyrics, makes up words to National Anthem Padres honor Marines
NDN Video
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom The Hangover Baby All Grown Up Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life The all-new Xbox One RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you Reporter Cries Over Devastation Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school Robert Pattinson Moves Out RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
  • -

     

    March 12, 2010

activity