One proud Southpaw Pop I assume

infielddad,
Thank you for your comments.
Sorry for not responding sooner, but took Spring Break trip with my wife. I have also been on the road to see other games with Sul Ross State, Texas Lutheran, & Lubbock Christian.

I didn't get to see him throw against Southwestern, but was at work when I remembered game time. I logged into Gametracker and saw that Dalton was on the mound and starting the 6th inning. Needless to say I checked to see who started the game and when I saw #15 Rucker, I didn't get much work done over the next 45 minutes. We did get to see him close game 3 against Texas Lutheran in Abilene.

The point I would make at this point for any player, find a program and coaches ready to teach and show an interest in their program ready to learn & work hard at it. God is in control of the rest.

Southpaw Pop...Congratulations to Dalton. What a great start.

Though I didn't get to see son's first college win,
http://www.reporter-news.com/abil/sp_local/article/0,1874,ABIL_8006_3609404,00.html

his mom, sister and I were in attendance for his first college save. I am pleased to add that Dalton earned his first save on March 19 vs Texas Lutheran University, nationally ranked 30 in the DIII Preseason Poll. They have since moved up to a 21 ranking. Son entered in the 6th, with a 4-2 lead, 2 on with 2 outs.

http://hsuathletics.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/031905aaa.html

That was followed up by the opportunity to start game 1 of the series with cross-town and conference rival McMurray University. What an honor and we again were in the stands. He competed well, left in the 5th with 2 outs, 2 on with McMurry holding a 1 run lead 3-2. The team however responded and won game 1 & 2 to take the series. First time since 2000 that HSU won series vs McMurray. Awesome!

I am most grateful to a coaching staff allowing this young man to compete for a successful program while getting an education.

I am really enjoying the college baseball experience. I know my son is.

quote:

Originally posted by Southpaw Pop:
infielddad,

The point I would make at this point for any player, find a program and coaches ready to teach and show an interest in their program ready to learn & work hard at it. God is in control of the rest.

Great advice!
Southpaw,
I know how proud you must feel, much success to Dalton.

Now the latest news regarding son's first college start. The Southwestern game has been dis-allowed by the NCAA and this is what I know to this point. The game was played as a 7 inning contest. Southwestern did play a 7 inning contest with McMurray University the same day, losing 5-7. With that said, the 7 inning contest between Hardin-Simmons Univ and Southwestern Univ did not occur, because it should have been played as a 9 inning contest. I hope to learn more as information comes available.

Son was somewhat dis-appointed and took out his frustration on Schreiner University Friday, April 8th by throwing 7 innings of shutout ball, 1 hit & 6 Ks with great offense & defense support. Following his mound performance, his coach allowed the bullpen to close out the final 2 innings. Again, I applaud the HSU coaching staff. I hope the NCAA will give this player & parents the explanation deserved. If the second game on March 9th was decided not to be played after the first game was played, why punish those that competed as the game was required? I am sure HSU would have gone 9 innings, had notice of the 2nd game being cancelled or delayed occured to the HSU coaching staff or especially the game officials.

I noticed that Southwestern University is not showing this game result on their homepage.

I am soooo confused !

This confirms from the NCAA that the Southwestern game was considered a non-game. Schreiner U. recorded as 1st official win. I'm still confused! http://www.americansouthwestconf.org/m-baseball/awards.htm

http://www.ncaasports.com/baseball/mens/story/8388131

This may be the answer I have been looking for.

I recently changed jobs so haven't viewed the web in several months. I look forward to reading & catching up with posters.

As a follow-up to this thread from infielddad's post of March 9, 2005, I
closed with the following relating to Dalton's first start:

quote:

find a program and coaches ready to teach and show an interest in their program ready to learn & work hard at it. God is in control of the rest.

Dalton wrapped up his freshman year at Hardin-Simmons University and I wish to share God's blessing in my son's baseball life. I first must share that his baseball year was one that he will never forget, thanks to God's grace, Coach Coleman, a great team and assistant coaching staff. A special thanks to all the parents and especially the senior players who encouraged my son thru-out the year and played hard. The following are a few highlights:

NCAA-DIII, nationally ranked #12 with 1.48 ERA with 60+ innings pitched.
Named 2005 ASC Baseball Championship All-Tournament Team, 0.00 ERA
Two (2) complete 9 inning game wins including:
Pitched 3rd and deciding 1st round game giving up one un-earned run vs University of Texas-Dallas
Pitched 1st collegiate shutout vs previously # 23 nationally ranked
East Texas Baptist Univ. helping HSU reach the ASC Tournament
Championship Game.
Named 2005 All-ASC West Team, Honorable Mention
ASC West-Division Pitcher of the Week, April 11, 2005
4 Wins, 2 Losses & 1 save(vs, at time, nationally ranked #17 Texas
Lutheran-later ranked #10)
Zero (0) homeruns allowed.

I pray my son continues to compete in a manner that honors GOD and he continues to search for GOD's guidance and strength when on the mound and in life. GOD is truly in control. Win or Lose.