Omaha or bust

The Chanticleers are ready to take the next step. They’ve been a number one seed, they’ve hosted a regional, they’ve gained national respect. But there’s one major hurdle left to climb - reach the College World Series.

Most of the Chants didn’t have the dream of reaching Omaha until AFTER they came to Conway. It was at CCU that Gary Gilmore and his staff instilled in his players that anything other than reaching Omaha is an unsuccessful season. Whenever the team huddles up, they break by saying “Omaha.“ Coastal ace Bobby Gagg adds, “We say it all the time, but we want to change it from just being a dream, to being a reality.“

CCU outfielder Adam Rice never thought he’d be knocking on the door to the CWS. Rice grew up playing baseball in the cornfields of Iowa. CCU found Rice playing community college and brought him on this year. Rice has played in every game, and batted right around .350 for the entire season. “Playing Division 1 ball was my only goal, and even that was lofty,“ said Rice. “It wasn’t until after I got here that they drilled it in me.  We have to get to Omaha.“

Coastal may have its best chance to get there this year. They have seven batters who’ve hit .340 or better this year. They have four starters with six or more wins. Their team ERA is under four. They haven’t had a single injury. 

Competing in the College World Series may not be every baseball-playing boy’s dream. Most picture themselves playing in New York, Atlanta or Boston, before they picture themselves playing in Omaha. But having played in the CWS proves that you are a winner, and that’s what every Chanticleer wants for themselves, and for the program.