Azusa Pacific University - Tavaleph Yearbook (Azusa, CA)

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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

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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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)im Tennell readies himself for action at the hot corner during a game against Pep- perdine. -5 ■ Ni - ' ' ' ■-mS-t ' - ' M y HS3ii E-. ' sa 3|j Diving back during a pick off attempt is Tom Wick. Enjoying their 17-0 lead over Westmont is Dave Jensen, Earthell Buckner, )im McCrary and Dave Baehr. Duane Crese prepares to fire a sun dial fastball during pre-sea- son contest with Mt. Sac. rhrowing a strike across the plate is freshman Ike Nixon. Ike was an asset to the Cougar pitching staff during the season. Baseball ( Contenders Z