Azusa Pacific University - Tavaleph Yearbook (Azusa, CA)

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„. 4 s : m B» (| -- i:. Jim McCrary dives back to first during a pre-season game against Mt. SAC. The fans always said, If weasel gets 1st base just give him 2nd. Marty Cordell shows a powerful swing during a home game with Whittier. Erthell Buckner displays his defensive abilities as he fires to first to complete the out. .1 £n.- ave Baher fires a fastball during pre-season scrimmage. Bob Hall takes a cut against Whittier during a tough battle at the Cougardome. Baseball -y Contenders

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Drive to Win When a college baseball team holds 9 seniors a successful season is expected. Azusa had such a team but because of a difficult pre-season schedule the team struggled to a 3-15 record. However, when league rolled around it seemed as though a new team was playing in the Cougardome. This team had confidence and with hard work and determination they united to win the Northern Division with a 16-4 record. Along the road to the championship they defeated NCAA powerhouse Pepperdine 7-6. But there was no stopping this team and with outstanding pitching by Dave Jensen and Jim Giacomazzi Azusa Pacific won the NAIA District III play-offs for the first time in the history of the school. They defeated Cal Lutheran in the bottom of the 9th inning when Pat Haffner hit a grand slam making the score 15-12. They then beat Pt. Loma 9-3 and finished the tournament by defeating Cal Lutheran 10-2. Portland, Oregon was the next stop for the Area Championships. Once again APC was victorious. This quali- fied them for the NAIA World Series in Lubbock, Texas. After a week of hard playing APC finished 3rd in the Nation. It was the best any AP base- ball team had done in the history of the school. Junior Dave Jensen was named 1st team All District. Dave also had the most strikeouts in the district. Jim Giacomazzi received second team honors. This tandem was named Co- Pitchers of the year by their team- mates. Batting .400 was Tom Wick who also made 1st team All District and was chosen for the Ballplayer ' s Ballplayer Award. Ron Carothers received 1st team honors as a Designated Hitter. Marty Cordell and Eddie Malone both made 2nd Team for their consistent hitting. Eddie also had 35 stolen bases. Jeff Robinson was named most prom- ising newcomer while Bob Hall received two awards; Hardest Worker and Ideal Cougar. But there was one award given to a player not only for his consistent excellent playing but also for the motivational impact he had on his teammates. His smile and enthusiasm clearly helped carry the team to vic- tory after victory, and so Earthell Buckner was named MVP for the 1981 season. Buck was a symbol for what AP ' s team stood for; enthusiasm, dedica- tion and the drive to win. Coach Tom Hicks ri Row 1, Left to Right: Pat Haffner, Duane Cresse, Bob Hall, Eddie Malone, Dave Jensen, Jim Rubstello. middle row: Tom Wick, Earthell Buckner, Jim McCrary, Dave Williams, Cleft Irby, Ron Carothers, Ike Nixon, Tim Mullins. back row: Mike Meeks, Jim Tennell, Marty Cordell, Jeff Robinson, Jim Giaco- mazzi, Dave Baehr, Dennis Beckwith, Rod Martin, Coach Tom Hicks. yr Baseball ' O Contenders

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Younuest Coach in U.S, What does it mean to be the young- est college baseball coach in the United States? For Tom Hicks it means, a special opfsortunity from the Lord. At age 24 he is a full time teacher as well as head baseball coach at Azusa Pacific College. His long list of qualifications begin with his college days. He played his first year at Long Beach City under the guidance of his father. His remaining three years were spent at use In 1978 he was a part of USC ' s National Championship Baseball Team. He was then chosen for the NCAA All Star Team and traveled to Japan. He received his teaching credential while coaching USC ' s JV team. El Camino was his last stop before coming to APC where he was head coach. As for the team, he had three main goals. First, that he produce a chris- tian environment for his players. Next, that every student graduate a mature person and finally, that the team have a successful winning season. Through a lot of prayer, patience and discipline, the 1981 Cougar Baseball Team and their coach Tom Hicks reached these goals. HSg JS t t? J ' ' ' ? tSa! S i«it»feai.jMSia»aga««»» m»it»vi,i Coach Hicks watches intently as his tropps battle another opponent in the Cougar- dome. Rod Martin takes a hefty swipe at the ball as he battles against Pepperdine. Coming in for a High-Five is Dave Williams after tying up the score against Biola. Ace lefty Dave Jensen shows his form against Pepperdine. ■TO Baseball ' O Contenders