CSU to Honor 2002 National Championship Team
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Columbus – It has been 10 years since they brought home a national championship to Columbus State University and on Saturday most of the 2002 CSU baseball team will be back at Ragsdale Field.
This year's version of the Cougar baseball team will host Georgia Southwestern on Saturday, April 14 beginning at 1:00 p.m. but before the game Columbus State will honor the only squad in program history to be named national champions.
Ten years ago, the Cougars, led by current coach and CSU's all-time wins leader Greg Appleton, made a remarkable run to capture the Division II College World Series.
After dropping their first game against Central Missouri 7-3 in Montgomery, the Cougars needed to win five straight games just to stave off elimination. In their first elimination game, CSU edged Delta State 6-5 scoring the winning run in their last at-bat to advance to take on Kutztown.
Columbus State eliminated Kutztown with a 6-3 victory before playing two of the most memorable games in program history against Central Missouri.
Needing to defeat UCM twice to advance to the championship game, the Cougars pulled off a 5-4 12-inning victory again winning the contest in the final at-bat.
The second game was even more exciting as the cardiac kids won an extra inning affair defeating Central Missouri 4-3, this time in 13 innings.
In the championship game, the Cougars, behind a complete game effort of Jason Burdette, defeated Cal State-Chico 5-3.
Columbus State extends a welcome to all Cougar fans to relive the memories that happened 10 years ago, as admission to Saturday's game is free. All fans need to arrive 30 minutes before first pitch to insure not missing any pregame activities.
To here Scott Miller call some highlights of the 2002 World Series, click here.
