Harding University

A member of the western half of the DII Gulf South Conference which is a really tough league. They have made their post season tournament for the second season in a row. This is an accomplishment for the program as the league is tough and historically Harding hasn’t been one of the top teams. They are a well coached team and their head coach, Patrick McGaha, is as classy as they come.

Harding is a school run by the Church of Christ and, as a result, is about as conservative and religious as can be: Mandatory chapel services, mandatory curfew, automatic dismissal from school if someone of the other gender is found in their residence hall (this happened to this year’s senior starting quarterback with one game to go in his career), etc. is part of the normal campus experience.

Harding is a good school academically, it has a beautiful campus, and has good things going baseballwise, but it can be a tough place to go based upon the religious setting. If someone can live that way than it is a place to consider.

D2TG-Thanks. I have a buddy who's son is considering their program. He's a JUCO guy with some real potential. The coaching staff and the visit made them feel very special. Their assistant coach is a local guy from Lubbock, coached at TTU, but I don't know him personally.

Thanks for the information. GED10DaD

I went to a HS that was affiliated with the COC, and they funneled many students to: Harding, Pepperdine, Abeliene, Freed-Hardeman, and Lipscomb. Each is a COC institution, and slightly more or less devout depending on the school. I agree with DBL that one needs to understand the religious part of the school because it is MAJOR in being a good fit for a student. I think the COC is quite fundamentalist and evangelical. Be aware that dancing and public displays of affection between male/female are not allowed in some institutions (hence the expulsion of the quarterback.) Men and women are not even allowed to share swimming pools in some places. Those of other faiths may not be allowed to participate in chapel in the way COC will be (never allowed to lead a prayer, or take a lead role in church.) Creationism may be a part of the science curriculum. I'm not saying this to dissuade anyone, just confirming that you must consider the lifestyle and constraints on personal freedoms that will be required in an institution like this. For some it is a perfect fit, and for others it will be a struggle.

Thanks, yes the coaches actually went thru this with them on their visit. Luckily, the kid can make those type of adjustments and understands the commitment it will take.

Thanks again.... GED10DaD

Good deal. It's important to go in with eyes open and everything on the table that could cause a stumble. My classmates who attended Harding enjoyed their time there and I am sure he will as well.

Best of luck to him in finding a new baseball home after he leaves his JUCO.

They sealed the deal yesterday. They are getting an awesome CF with some serious tools!! Thanks for all the 411.

GED10DaD

GED10Dad... How was the Freshman year of the Centerfielder in the thread? Any feedback? Thanks.

Rod - he had a great year. He adjusted to D2 pitching and finished the year starting 45 games in CF, batted leadoff with 42 hits, 8 doubles, 1 triple, and 5 stolen bases. Defensively, he had 107 putouts, 4 assists and a .991 fielding percentage. He finished with 11 multi-hit games, 4 multi RBI games, and twice had 6 game hitting streaks during conference play.

Coach Reeves left the Bison program to be the new head softball coach for Abilene Christian University. He was the previous Recruiting Coordinator.

Head Coach Patrick McGaha is a great guy, he was very easy to work with during the recruiting process. Also, he DID not talk like a used car salesman. They have a very strong recruiting class for 2011 and they cast a very wide net for next years class for 2012.

GED10DaD

Today, D2 Harding University (41-12) played Southern Arkansas in the championship game of the Gulf South Conference Tournament at USA Stadium. It was eventually a 5-3 loss, but the program took a huge leap forward. It is Harding's first 40-win season in program history. Harding was playing in its first GSC Tournament championship game and will continue the 2011 season at the D2 South Region Tournament.

On their way to the championship game, Harding defeated Arkansas Tech and eliminated (D2 No.1) West Florida. It was only the second-ever victory for the Harding baseball team over the NCAA's No. 1-ranked team, the first since defeating top-ranked Delta State 5-4 in 2003.

Harding's All-Tournament Team members included first baseman Billy Ninemire, starting pitcher Lucas Waddell and shortstop Charles Bradley(pic).

Congratulations to the Bison’s, Coach (Dr.) Patrick McGaha and his coaches for an awesome spring and conference tournament. Good luck in regionals boys!!!



GED10DaD

Sounds like you guys had a great season and are happy with the college decision.

quote:

Originally posted by jdawg_24:
Sounds like you guys had a great season and are happy with the college decision.

JD - Not my son's team, but was very high on his list of D2s. I have a buddy with a player on the team. The Bison's are very well coached and it's truly a special program. Coach McGaha and his staff are doing things the right way, true Men of Character.

GED10DaD

Congratulations to Harding Baseball's Coach McGaha - GSC (West) Coach of the Year!



GED10DaD

Congratulations Coach! Nice to see a face behind the name.