#1 Isaac Collins • INF #2 Jack Strunc • INF #3 Andrew Meggs • INF #4 Thomas Luevano • UTL/RHP #5 Jordan Hovey • INF #6 Parker Upton • OF So. • Maple Grove, Minn. Jr.. • Highlands Ranch, Colo. Fr. • San Jose, Calif. Jr. • Santa Clarita, Calif. Jr. • Edwardsville, Ill. So. • Grand Island, Neb.
#8 Ryan Mantle • INF #10 Denson Hull • LHP #11 Jackson Berney • INF/OF #13 Nicholas Ortega • OF #14 Michael Emodi • C #15 Jason Allbery • INF/OF Jr. • Linn, Mo. Jr. • San Antonio, Texas Fr. • Holdrege, Neb. So. • Tampa, Fla. Jr. • Omaha, Neb. So. • Omaha, Neb.
#16 Evan Spry • INF #17 Evan Johnson • RHP #18 Blake Whitecotton • C #19 Grant Spranger • LHP #20 Garrett Gilbert • C #22 Mitch Ragan • RHP Fr. • Janesville, Wis. Jr. • Gilbert, Iowa Sr. • Maple Grove, Minn. Sr. • Bettendorf, Iowa Fr. • Trevor, Wis. Jr. • Omaha, Neb.
#23 Clark Brinkman • OF #24 Will Robertson • OF #26 Justin Wick • LHP #27 Preston Church • LHP #29 Jacob Voss • RHP #30 Nate Shoemaker • RHP Jr. • Addison, Ill. So. • Loose Creek, Mo. So. • Parker, Colo. Sr. • Ogden, Iowa So. • Linn, Mo. Fr. • Minnetonka, Minn.
#31 Thomas Swafford• LHP #32 Bobby Kametas • RHP #33 Ryan Connolly • LHP #34 Ian Evans • RHP #35 John Sakowski • RHP Fr. • Franklin, Tenn. Jr. • Oak Lawn, Ill. So. • Castle Rock, Colo. Fr. • Cape Coral, Fla. So. • Omaha, Neb.
#36 Max Clark • RHP #37 Mitch Boyer • RHP #38 Ryan Tapani • RHP #41 Jonah Smith • RHP #44 Elijah Hill • RHP Fr. • Winter Park, Fla. So. • Batavia, Ill. Sr. • Wayzata, Minn. So. • Austin, Texas Jr. • Olympia, Wash.
#9 Ed Servais #12 Eric Wordekemper #28 Connor Gandossy #7 Chris Cleary Michelle Potts Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Volunteer Assistant Coach Director of Pitching Coach Recruiting Coordinator Baseball Operations Table of Contents
Creighton Baseball Table of Contents...... 1 2018 Roster & Preview...... 2-3 TD Ameritrade Park Omaha...... 4-5 Rasmussen Fitness & Sports Center...... 6
Meet the Coaching Staff Head Coach Ed Servais...... 8-11 Ed Servais vs. 2018 Opponents...... 12-13 Assistant Coach Eric Wordekemper...... 14 Assistant Coach Connor Gandossy...... 15 Volunteer Assistant Chris Clear & Director of Operations Michelle Potts... 16 Athletic Trainer Curtis Self & Athletic Performance Coach Brad Schmidt...17
Meet the 2018 Bluejays Returners Grant Spranger...... 18 Ryan Tapani...... 19 Blake Whitecotton...... 20 Clark Brinkman...... 21 Michael Emodi...... 22 Thomas Luevano...... 23 Jason Allbery...... 24 Creighton University Information Mitch Boyer...... 25 Location ...... Omaha, Neb. Isaac Collins...... 26 Founded ...... 1878 Nick Ortega...... 27 Will Robertson...... 28 Enrollment...... 8,654 John Sakowski...... 29 School Colors...... Blue and White Parker Upton...... 30 Nickname...... Bluejays Transfers Affiliation...... NCAA Division I Preston Church and Jack Strunc...... 31 Conference...... BIG EAST Conference Elijah Hill and Jordan Hovey...... 32 President...... Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, S.J., Ph.D. Denson Hull and Evan Johnson ...... 32 McCormick Endowed Athletic Director...... Bruce Rasmussen Bobby Kametas and Ryan Mantle...... 33 Athletic Website...... www.gocreighton.com Mitch Ragan and Thomas Swafford...... 33 Ryan Connolly and Jonah Smith...... 34 Stadium Information Jacob Voss and Justin Wick...... 34 Facility ...... TD Ameritrade Park Omaha Freshmen Capacity ...... 24,000 Jackson Berney and Max Clark...... 35 Dimensions...... 335-408-335 (Natural Grass) Ian Evans and Garrett Gilbert ...... 35 Year Opened...... 2011 Andrew Meggs and Nate Shoemaker...... 36 Evan Spry...... 36 Coaching Staff Information
Head Coach...... Ed Servais 2018 Opponents 2018 Non-Conference Opponents...... 38-40 Alma Mater...... Wisconsin-La Crosse (1980) 2018 BIG EAST Opponents...... 41 Record at Creighton...... 483-291-1 (14) 2018 BIG EAST Composite Schedule...... 42-43 Career Record...... 665-373-2 (23) The BIG EAST Conference...... 44 Assistant Coach...... Connor Gandossy (First Season) Assistant Coach...... Eric Wordekemper (Fifth Season) 2017 in Review Volunteer Assistant Coach...... Chris Cleary (Second Season) 2017 Game-by-Game Results...... 46 Director of Baseball Operations...... Michelle Potts (Third Season) 2017 in Pictures...... 47 2017 Overall Stats...... 48 2017 Information 2017 BIG EAST Stats...... 49 2017 Overall Record...... 24-25 2017 Team Stats...... 50 Home Record...... 15-12 2017 Specialty Stats...... 51 Away Record...... 9-11 2017 BIG EAST Standings & Awards...... 52 Neutral Record...... 0-2 2017 BIG EAST Record...... 11-4 Creighton Record Book Regular Season Finish...... 1st Career Hitting & Fielding Records...... 54 Home...... 5-2 Season Hitting & Fielding Records...... 55 Away...... 6-2 Pitching Records...... 56 Single Game Records...... 57 2017 BIG EAST Tournament Record...... 1-2 NCAA Tournament Teams...... 58-63 2017 BIG EAST Tournament Finish...... 3rd Bluejays in the Pros...... 64-65 Active Bluejays in the Minors...... 66 Team Information Academic All-Americans & Creighton Athletics Hall of Fame...... 67 Players Returning/Lost...... 13/21 All-Americans...... 68-71 Newcomers...... 21 Yearly Summary...... 72 Position Starters Returning/Lost...... 7/2 Series Records...... 73 Pitchers Returning/Lost...... 4/14 Year-By-Year Results...... 74-84 Program Information This is Creighton Number of Years (since 1966)...... 51 Creighton University...... 86-87 Overall Record...... 1,555-1,127-9 (.578) Creighton Administration...... 88 NCAA Postseason Appearances...... 10 Omaha, Nebraska...... 89 Last Appearance...... 2012 Head Coaches...... 90 NCAA CWS Appearances...... 1 Athletics Staff...... 91 Last Appearance...... 1991 Student-Athlete Support...... 92 Athletic Performance & Athletic Training...... 93 Creighton Traditions...... 94 Baseball Radio Broadcasts...... 95 Media Information...... 96
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 1 2018 Roster
Numerical Pronunciation # Name Pos. B/T Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown (High School/Previous School) Allbery...... All • Berry 1 Isaac Collins INF S/R 5-11 180 So. Maple Grove, Minn. (Maple Grove HS) 2 Jack Strunc INF R/R 6-0 190 Jr. Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Mountain Vista HS/Washington State) Berney...... Burr • KNEE 3 Andrew Meggs INF R/R 5-11 170 Fr. San Jose, Calif. (Leland HS) Emodi...... E • Mode •EE 4 Thomas Luevano UTL/RHP R/R 6-0 180 Jr. Santa Clarita, Calif. (Bishop Alemany HS/Moorpark College) Gandossy...... Gan • DOSS • EE 5 Jordan Hovey INF L/R 6-2 190 Jr. Edwardsville, Ill. (Edwardsville HS/Missouri State/Jefferson College) 6 Parker Upton OF S/R 6-0 180 So. Grand Island, Neb. (Grand Island HS) Hovey...... Ho • VEE 8 Ryan Mantle INF R/R 5-10 200 Jr. Linn, Mo. (Linn HS/Missouri State/Jefferson College) Kametas...... Ca • MEAT • US 10 Denson Hull LHP L/L 6-1 210 Jr. San Antonio, Texas (Churchill HS/Incarnate Word/Temple College) Luevano...... La • Von • O 11 Jackson Berney INF/OF S/R 6-4 200 Fr. Holdrege, Neb. (Holdrege HS) 13 Nick Ortega OF R/R 5-9 180 So. Tampa, Fla. (Jesuit HS) Ortega...... Or • TAY • Ga 14 Michael Emodi C R/R 6-4 225 Jr. Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep) Ragan...... RAY • Gun 15 Jason Allbery INF/OF R/R 6-3 215 So. Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep) Sakowski...... Sa • Cow • Ski 16 Evan Spry INF L/R 6-1 190 Fr. Janesville, Wis. (Janesville Craig HS) 17 Evan Johnson RHP R/R 6-0 170 Jr. Gilbert, Iowa (Gilbert HS/Iowa Central CC) Servais...... Service 18 Blake Whitecotton C R/R 6-0 205 Sr. Maple Grove, Minn. (Maple Grove HS/North Iowa Area CC) Strunc...... Strun • TZZ 19 Grant Spranger LHP L/L 6-2 210 Sr. Bettendorf, Iowa (Bettendorf HS/Southeastern CC) Wordekemper...... 20 Garrett Gilbert C R/R 6-1 185 Fr. Trevor, Wis. (Westosha Central HS) 22 Mitch Ragan RHP R/R 6-3 215 Jr. Omaha, Neb. (Millard West HS/Wayne State/Iowa Western CC) ...... Word •Eh • Kemper 23 Clark Brinkman OF R/R 6-2 200 Jr. Addison, Ill. (IC Catholic Prep/Dayton/McHenry County College) 24 Will Robertson OF L/L 6-1 210 So. Loose Creek, Mo. (Fatima HS) 26 Justin Wick LHP L/L 6-3 185 So. Parker, Colo. (Legend HS/South Mountain CC) Roster Breakdown 27 Preston Church LHP L/L 6-3 210 Sr. Ogden, Iowa (Ogden HS/Western Illinois) Location 29 Jacob Voss RHP R/R 6-9 265 So. Linn, Mo. (Linn HS/Jefferson College) 30 Nate Shoemaker RHP R/R 6-3 195 Fr. Minnetonka, Minn. (Minnetonka HS) Nebraska...... 6 31 Thomas Swafford LHP L/L 5-11 195 Fr. Franklin, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy/Abilene Christian) Illinois...... 4 32 Bobby Kametas RHP R/R 6-0 190 Jr. Oak Lawn, Ill. (Oak Lawn HS/St. Joseph’s College) 33 Ryan Connolly LHP L/L 6-5 215 So. Castle Rock, Colo. (Douglas County HS/Nebraska/Iowa Western CC) Minnesota...... 4 34 Ian Evans RHP R/R 6-3 180 Fr. Cape Coral, Fla. (Evangelical Christian HS) Colorado...... 3 35 John Sakowski RHP R/R 6-2 195 So. Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep) Florida...... 3 36 Max Clark RHP R/R 6-2 200 Fr. Winter Park, Fla. (Winter Park HS) 37 Mitch Boyer RHP R/R 6-3 190 So. Batavia, Ill. (Batavia HS) Iowa...... 3 38 Ryan Tapani RHP R/R 6-0 190 Sr. Wayzata, Minn. (Providence Academy/St. Olaf College) Missouri...... 3 41 Jonah Smith RHP R/R 6-2 185 So. Austin, Texas (McCallum HS/Abilene Christian) California...... 2 44 Elijah Hill RHP R/R 6-3 205 Jr. Olympia, Wash. (Tumwater HS/Bellevue College) Texas...... 2 Wisconsin...... 2 Alphabetical Tennessee...... 1 # Name Pos. B/T Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown (Previous School/High School) Washington...... 1 15 Jason Allbery INF/OF R/R 6-3 215 So. Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep) 11 Jackson Berney INF/OF S/R 6-4 200 Fr. Holdrege, Neb. (Holdrege HS) 37 Mitch Boyer RHP R/R 6-3 190 So. Batavia, Ill. (Batavia HS) Class 23 Clark Brinkman OF R/R 6-2 200 Jr. Addison, Ill. (IC Catholic Prep/Dayton/McHenry County College) Seniors...... 4 27 Preston Church LHP L/L 6-3 210 Sr. Ogden, Iowa (Ogden HS/Western Illinois) 36 Max Clark RHP R/R 6-2 200 Fr. Winter Park, Fla. (Winter Park HS) Juniors...... 11 1 Isaac Collins INF S/R 5-11 180 So. Maple Grove, Minn. (Maple Grove HS) Sophomores...... 11 33 Ryan Connolly LHP L/L 6-5 215 So. Castle Rock, Colo. (Douglas County HS/Nebraska/Iowa Western CC) Freshmen...... 8 14 Michael Emodi C R/R 6-4 225 Jr. Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep) 34 Ian Evans RHP R/R 6-3 180 Fr. Cape Coral, Fla. (Evangelical Christian HS) 20 Garrett Gilbert C R/R 6-1 185 Fr. Trevor, Wis. (Westosha Central HS) Position 44 Elijah Hill RHP R/R 6-3 205 Jr. Olympia, Wash. (Tumwater HS/Bellevue College) 5 Jordan Hovey INF L/R 6-2 190 Jr. Edwardsville, Ill. (Edwardsville HS/Missouri State/Jefferson College) Catchers...... 3 10 Denson Hull LHP L/L 6-1 210 Jr. San Antonio, Texas (Churchill HS/Incarnate Word/Temple College) Infielders...... 7 17 Evan Johnson RHP R/R 6-0 170 Jr. Gilbert, Iowa (Gilbert HS/Iowa Central CC) Left-Handed Pitchers...... 6 32 Bobby Kametas RHP R/R 6-0 190 Jr. Oak Lawn, Ill. (Oak Lawn HS/St. Joseph’s College) 4 Thomas Luevano UTL/RHP R/R 6-0 180 Jr. Santa Clarita, Calif. (Bishop Alemany HS/Moorpark College) Outfielders...... 6 8 Ryan Mantle INF R/R 5-10 200 Jr. Linn, Mo. (Linn HS/Missouri State/Jefferson College) Right-Handed Pitchers...... 12 3 Andrew Meggs INF R/R 5-11 170 Fr. San Jose, Calif. (Leland HS) 13 Nick Ortega OF R/R 5-9 180 So. Tampa, Fla. (Jesuit HS) 22 Mitch Ragan RHP R/R 6-3 215 Jr. Omaha, Neb. (Millard West HS/Wayne State/Iowa Western CC) Letterwinners 24 Will Robertson OF L/L 6-1 210 So. Loose Creek, Mo. (Fatima HS) 35 John Sakowski RHP R/R 6-2 195 So. Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep) Returners...... 13 30 Nate Shoemaker RHP R/R 6-3 195 Fr. Minnetonka, Minn. (Minnetonka HS) Newcomers...... 21 41 Jonah Smith RHP R/R 6-2 185 So. Austin, Texas (McCallum HS/Abilene Christian) 19 Grant Spranger LHP L/L 6-2 210 Sr. Bettendorf, Iowa (Bettendorf HS/Southeastern CC) 16 Evan Spry INF L/R 6-1 190 Fr. Janesville, Wis. (Janesville Craig HS) 2 Jack Strunc INF R/R 6-0 190 Jr. Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Mountain Vista HS/Washington State) Pitchers 31 Thomas Swafford LHP L/L 5-11 195 Fr. Franklin, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy/Abilene Christian) 38 Ryan Tapani RHP R/R 6-0 190 Sr. Wayzata, Minn. (Providence Academy/St. Olaf College) Returners...... 4 6 Parker Upton OF S/R 6-0 180 So. Grand Island, Neb. (Grand Island HS) Newcomers...... 14 29 Jacob Voss RHP R/R 6-9 265 So. Linn, Mo. (Linn HS/Jefferson College) 18 Blake Whitecotton C R/R 6-0 205 Sr. Maple Grove, Minn. (Maple Grove HS/North Iowa Area CC) 26 Justin Wick LHP L/L 6-3 185 So. Parker, Colo. (Legend HS/South Mountain CC)
Coaching Staff Head Coach 9 Ed Servais Assistant Coach 28 Connor Gandossy Assistant Coach 12 Eric Wordekemper Volunteer Assistant Coach 7 Chris Cleary Director of Baseball Operations Michelle Potts
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 2 2018 Preview Since joining the BIG EAST prior to the 2014 season, Creighton has already claimed two regular-season titles and advanced to the BIG EAST Tournament championship game in 2014, 2015 & 2016.
The one piece that has eluded the Bluejays has been a tournament championship and an elusive bid into the NCAA Tournament.
Creighton claimed its second BIG EAST regular-season crown last year, going 11-4 in conference action to claim the top seed. Unfortunately the Bluejays came up a bit short at home.
For the second consecutive year the Bluejays have seen turnover. Last year the bulk of the position players were new to the Creighton blue. In 2018 that script has been flipped as just four pitchers returned to the bump.
“This year we will have a different type of pitching staff,” said head coach Ed Servais. “We will need to let hitters get themselves out. That puts more pressure on our defense, but I’m okay with that Junior Michael Emodi because we’re ready.” Catcher/Designated Hitter Known as a defensive guru, head coach Ed Servais believes that the Junior Michael Emodi did just about everything for the Bluejays 2018 squad has the potential to be one of his best in several years. last season. He led the squad in hits (50), RBI (39), doubles (13) and home runs (9). In addition, Emodi played all but eight innings “Last season our position players needed to find their rhythm. behind the dish. Now we have experience at virtually every spot,” commented Servais. “In addition, our outfield could be as athletic as any I’ve This year Servais would like get Emodi off his feet a bit more, had.” shifting to the DH to keep his bat in the lineup. Senior Blake Whitecotton and freshman Garrett Gilbert will spell Emodi. Infield The right side of the infield, Isaac Collins at second and Jason Hovey, Mantle, Upton will share the bulk of at-bats as Allbery at first, each returns for the second season. An outfield- Creighton’s DH, while Emodi will hit there on occasion. er when he came to Creighton, Allbery was shifted to first base at the beginning of spring practice in 2017. While he made just two Rotation errors at the position, the year of experience should help the Bluejay The trio expected to take the mound in the first weekend will be defense immensely. senior Ryan Tapani, graduate transfer Preston Church and junior college transfer Mitch Ragan. The left side of the diamond will see transfer Jack Strunc take over at shortstop, while third base is a battle between transfers Tapani brings back the most experience for Creighton, having Ryan Mantle and Jordan Hovey. tossed 25.2 innings last year. Ryan closed 2017 with a 3-1 record and 26 strikeouts. Church tossed 193 innings for Western Illinois in Outfield his career as a Leatherneck. Ragan, meanwhile, joins the Bluejays Junior Clark Brinkman and sophomore Will Robertson are from Iowa Western. expected to patrol center and right, while Thomas Luevano is projected to open the season in left. Bullpen Three bullpen arms return in Mitch Boyer, John Sakowski and Luevano played every inning at short for the Bluejays last year, Grant Spranger. The trio combined to hurl 26 innings, notching but that prevented him from being used as a relief pitcher. Servais 24 strikeouts. believes the switch to the outfield will allow Creighton to use Lu- evano in a multitude of roles including at first base and in a relief Joining the returning trio expect Luevano to move into a setup role. role on the mound. Junior transfer Bobby Kametas is slated to open the year as the Bluejays closer. “A lot of guys would have reacted poorly to being moved, but Thomas simply wanted to help the team,” said Servais. “This fall he “Kametas is an experienced pitcher with a good combination of was our best hitter, I believe the move to the outfield will help him fastball and slider,” said Servais. “The thing I like most about him at the plate and allow him to pitch 15-20 times.” is that he doesn’t have any fear on the mound. The moment will not be too big for him.” In addition, Servais feels this team has more depth as the Bluejays’ leading hitter, Parker Upton, will begin as the fourth “Our pitching staff has a lot of talent and we will have several outfielder and log significant at-bats as Creighton’s designated hitter. options,” said Servais. “Our job as coaches is to put the players in Sophomore Nick Ortega is also expected to see time as a late situations to succeed. Early in the season we’re going to ask the game defensive replacement. staff to do get one or two outs, then build on their success as the season goes on.”
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 3 TD Ameritrade Park Omaha
Making the Home of the CWS Our Own After more than 20 years of calling the CU Sports Complex home, the Creighton baseball team moved into a new facil- ity in 2011. TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, located just a few blocks east of the CU Sports Complex, serves as the permanent home of the Creighton baseball team.
The $128 million facility holds more than 24,000 spec- tators. TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, which sits just one block northwest of the home of Creighton men’s basketball - CenturyLink Center Omaha - also serves as the home for the NCAA Division I Men’s College World Series.
Designed with the fans in mind, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha has a 360-degee continuous walkway on the concourse level, with both permanent and portable concession stands lining the concourse. There are 36 inches of leg room between seats, turning the stadium into a bowl while eliminating the stacking effect that happens in many stadiums today. Club seating for 2,500 members and access to three, full-service food stations draws many groups and parties to the facility. “The cool thing about it [the stadium] is that it’s completely The entire facility is accessible to people with disabilities and sacred to college baseball.” - Vanderbilt Head Coach Tim Corbin seating inside the stadium meets ADA standards.
Both the media and the athletes who make their way to TD Ameritrade Park Omaha discover it is second to none. The playing surface includes a top-of-the-line draining system as well as heating features to ensure play in any type of Nebraska weather. The dirt base paths and grass infield and outfield gives the ball a natural bounce. Full-size dugouts down each line, complete with media pits, allow enough space for athletes and media to work side by side. Tunnels take players to covered batting cages and warm-up tunnels, followed by full locker rooms, complete with coaches suites and training rooms just off the showers that provide the best amenities for all involved.
This and That... Cost...... $128,000,000 Architects:...... Kiewit, HDR, Populous, DLR Group Total seating capacity...... 24,000 Outfield dimensions (in feet)...... LF & RF - 335 ...... LC & RC - 375 ...... CF - 408 Home plate to first row seats...... 52 Feet Average concourse width...... 32 Feet - Infield ...... 30 Feet - Outfield Leg room between rows...... 36 Inches Number of elevators...... 4
A Series of TD Ameritrade Park Omaha Firsts First game:...... April 19, 2011 ...... Nebraska 2, Creighton 1 Ceremonial first pitch:...... Fred Tomczyk, ...... TD Ameritrade CEO First pitch:...... 6:42 pm by CU’s Ty Blach (4/19/11) First hit:...... NU’s Cody Asche (4/19/11) First double:...... NU’s Tanner Krietemeier (4/19/11) First run:...... Creighton’s Trever Adams (4/19/11) First RBI:...... Creighton’s Mike Gerber (4/19/11) First home run:...... Creighton’s Mike Gerber (4/22/11) First strikeout:...... NU’s Bryan Peters by Blach (4/19/11) First double play:...... CU (Swift-Staehely-Judkins) (4/19/11) First win:...... NU’s Logan Ehlers (4/19/11) First loss: ...... CU’s Mark Winkelman (4/19/11) First telecast:...... NET Sports/CBS Sports Network (4/19/11) “This [TD Ameritrade Park Omaha] is a tremendous asset First CWS:...... 2011 Baseball America First CWS champion:...... South Carolina to Creighton baseball. This is a palace. It’s big time.” - John Manuel, Former Editor of
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 4 TD Ameritrade Park Omaha
A media interview room as well as a work room under the stadium provides working media a location to quickly generate and send out information through cables and internet functions built into the stadium. A three-tier working press box allows for plenty of seating come tournament time, with additional work cubi- cles located just behind the main seating. Five individual radio booths as well as the center television bay - complete with fully opening windows - gives all media members access to the angle they wish to cover for the game.
The Bluejays broke in the new facility on April 19, 2011, with a game against in-state rival Nebraska. Although it was a blustery night, more than 22,000 fans braved the weather to come out and get the first views at Omaha’s newest attrac- tion. The Bluejays averaged nearly 7,200 fans for the remainder of the 2011 home schedule, finishing eighth in the NCAA in overall home attendance. The numbers didn’t disappoint once the College World Series came to town, as 321,684 fans came through the turnstiles of TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, averaging just under 23,000 fans per session.
Directions to TD Ameritrade Park Omaha From I-80 West: Travel on I-80 West and take exit 1-A and follow I-29 North. Exit off of I-29 onto I-480 West to Omaha. Just across the Missouri Riv- er Bridge, exit on the 10th Street/CenturyLink Cen- ter Omaha Exit. Turn right onto 10th Street. The stadium will be on your left-hand side.
From I-29 North: Traveling north on Interstate 29, take I-80 West at the convergence of the two interstates in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Follow the above di- rections from I-80 West.
From I-80 East: Traveling east on Interstate 80 from Lincoln, take Interstate 480 North to downtown Omaha and follow the above directions.
From Eppley Airfield: When leaving the terminal, turn left (south) on Abbott Drive and follow toward downtown, where Abbott Drive will turn into Cuming Street. Continue on Cuming Street until you reach 13th Street. The ballpark will be on your left-hand side.
“Our players were just in awe seeing it for the first time. The pictures of this place didn’t do it justice. I can’t imagine being a college player and getting to play on this type of stage.” - North Carolina Head Coach Mike Fox
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 5 Rasmussen Fitness & Sports Center
The Rasmussen Fitness & Sports Center, a 50,000-square-foot building offering a multipurpose field house with synthetic turf for athletic team practices and intramural sports, was officially opened on Oct. 23, 2012. In addition to the indoor practice area, the Rasmussen Fitness & Sports Center offers a suspended two-lane running track and a fitness level furnished with cardio, circuit-training and free-weight equipment for all Creighton students, faculty and staff.
Named for McCormick Endowed Creighton Director of Athletics Bruce Rasmussen, the facility was made possible by generous gifts from Ruth and Bill Scott as well as several other donors. The Scotts have been long-time supporters and friends of Creighton University. In 1995 they established a scholarship for international students who enrolled in the School of Medicine. The Nebraska natives have deep roots in the Omaha community and have donated generously to more than 100 different organizations.
Exercise is part of Bill Scott’s daily routine. “Several years ago I was severely injured in a fall. This experience and my subsequent recovery Creighton McCormick Endowed Athletic Director reinforced the importance of health and wellness activities for everyone, Bruce Rasmussen (middle) with Bill and Ruth Scott at the opening of no matter what your age. This convenient facility will be a visible remind- the Rasmussen Fitness & Sports Center er, for all students, faculty and staff, of the investment Creighton makes in the whole person -- mind, body and spirit. And I can’t think of a finer person than Bruce Rasmussen to honor with this legacy,” said Bill Scott.
During Rasmussen’s tenure, Creighton’s athletic teams have risen to national prominence both on and off the field. Since Rasmussen assumed the role of athletic director, Creighton has won 37 regular-season and 40 conference tournament titles, which have helped lead to 81 postseason appearances.
Creighton’s reputation as one of the nation’s top academic institutions is reflected in the success Bluejay student-athletes have had in the class- room during Rasmussen’s service as athletics director. Creighton’s base- ball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s soccer and men’s and women’s tennis teams all have received national awards for their academic success.
Bluejay student-athletes consistently own collective GPAs of 3.25 or above. Rasmussen was inducted into the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. A member of the College World Series of Omaha, Inc., Executive Committee, Rasmussen played a vital role in seeing that Creighton and the city of Omaha remain as hosts of the College World Series.
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 6 Meet the 2018 Bluejays
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 7 Head Coach Ed Servais 9 • Ed Servais Head Coach • Wisconsin-La Crosse (1980) 483-291-1 (.623) • Creighton (14 Seasons) 665-373-2 (.640) • Overall (23 Seasons)
Ed Servais returns for his 15th season at the In typical Servais fashion, he instilled his helm of the Creighton baseball program. trademarks of defense and fundamental into the 2014 team. Creighton closed the season Servais led the Bluejays to the BIG EAST as the NCAA statistical champion in fielding Tournament championship game in each of the percentage, committing just 32 errors and last four seasons, reaching the championship finishing with a .984 fielding percentage. game from 2014-16. Servais’ Résumé In addition, Servais picked up the 2014 BIG • Head Coach, Creighton He is the winningest coach in program EAST Coach of the Year nod. It was his fifth (2004-present) history, passing Jim Hendry (289) in 2011. honor at the Division I level and seventh Overall record: 483-291-1 Servais’ tenure as Creighton head coach overall. Individually Reagan Fowler was named ranks among the best in the NCAA. His BIG EAST Co-Player of the Year. Fowler and • Assistant Coach, Creighton overall record of 665-373-2 (.640) places Matt Warren were also named to the Louis- (1998-2003) him 24th in the nation in winning percentage ville Slugger/Collegiate Baseball All-America amongst active coaches. teams. • Assistant Coach, Iowa State (1996-97) Servais has taken Creighton to four NCAA During the summer of 2013, Servais served Tournaments (2005, 2007, 2011 & 2012). as one of three assistants for USA Baseball’s • Head Coach, St. Mary’s (Minn.) Under Servais’ leadership, Creighton has Collegiate National Team. Servais was (1989-95) averaged 34.5 wins per season. responsible for team defense and was the Overall record: 159-76-1 first base coach. Servais helped Team USA Servais’ teams have consistently been post a 7-3 record against Japan and Cuba, • Head Coach, Viterbo (Wis.) (1987-88) among the nation’s best in fielding percent- including a five-game sweep of the Cuban Overall record: 23-6 age. Since of the Servais era began is 2004, National Team. Creighton has committed the fewest errors • Assistant Coach, St. Mary’s in the nation (679), while also leading the The Bluejays closed 2013 with a 30-18 mark, (1984-86) country with a .977 fielding percentage. Creighton’s final year in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). Postseason Appearances “Ed has established our baseball program as • 2012 NCAA Regional Participant one of the most fundamentally sound, Despite finishing 2012 with a 28-30 overall MVC Tournament Champions over-achieving programs in the country,” said record and a 6-14 mark in MVC play, Ser- • 2011 NCAA Regional Participant Bruce Rasmussen, Creighton’s McCormick En- vais led his team to the NCAA Tournament MVC Tournament Champions dowed Athletic Director. with an inspired four-game sweep at the MVC MVC Regular Season Champions Tournament. • 2007 NCAA Regional Participant Year-by-Year Recap MVC Tournament Champions • 2005 NCAA Regional Participant Creighton claimed its second regular-season MVC Regular Season Champions BIG EAST title in just its fourth year as a member of the conference in 2017. The Bluejays Coaching Accolades finished the season 24-25. • 2014 BIG EAST Coach of the Year • 2013 USA Baseball Assistant Coach The Bluejays topped the 30-win mark for • 2011 MVC Coach of the Year the 11th time under Servais in 2016, post- • 2008 FieldTurf National ing a 38-17 overall record and a 13-5 mark in Coach of the Year conference play. • 2007 MVC Coach of the Year
• 2005 MVC Coach of the Year • 2004 MVC Coach of the Year The Bluejays were 32-19 in 2015, collecting • 1993 MIAC Coach of the Year Servais’ 600th win on May 15 over Villanova. • 1990 MIAC Coach of the Year In 2014 Servais guided the Bluejays to the Collegiate Career BIG EAST regular season championship, • Wisconsin-La Crosse thet firs BIG EAST title for any sport at (1977-1980) Creighton. The Bluejays closed the year with a 32-17-1 record and a 14-4 mark in their first sea- son as a member of the BIG EAST.
In the conference tournament, Creighton won its first two games to advance to the championship game, but the Bluejays fell in a winner-take-all game to Xavier.
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 8 Head Coach Ed Servais The Bluejays opened the MVC Tournament with an upset win over In 2007, Servais led Creighton to 45 wins and the first MVC Tourna- top-seed Indiana State and went on to defeat Illinois State twice ment Championship in school history. Servais was named the MVC to advance to the title game. Creighton completed the four-game Coach of the Year for the third time as the Bluejays advanced to the run by besting Southern Illinois, 8-6, to earn the MVC’s automatic NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years. Creighton berth. won 26 of its final 31 games, including a memorable 10-9, 12-in- ning victory over 12th-ranked Wichita State in the finals of the MVC At the Los Angeles Regional, the Bluejays dropped their opener to Tournament. The 2007 season saw 12 school records broken. the host UCLA (3-0), but rebounded to eliminate San Diego (8-2) and New Mexico (7-2), before falling to the Bruins (13-5). Individual accolades came in bunches as Ruf was named the Joe Carter MVC Player of the Year, junior southpaw Creighton moved into TD Ameritrade Park Omaha midway through Ben Mancuso was the MVC Pitcher of the Year, and senior the 2011 season, leaving behind the friendly confines of the CU Andy Masten was the league’s Newcomer of the Year. Mancuso, Sports Complex where Servais had a .770 winning percentage. Masten and Venditte were selected to All-America teams, while hurler Casey Schmidt earned Freshman All-America honors. The 2011 team finished with a 45-16 overall record, claiming the regular season title in the Missouri Valley at 15-6 mark. It marked The 2006 team posted a record of 31-21 overall and placed fourth the first time in school history a Bluejay baseball team won the reg- in the MVC with a 13-11 mark. Servais guided Creighton to its ular-season and tournament titles in the same year. The Bluejays third-consecutive 30-win season, becoming the third coach in finished the season ranked 25th in the nation, breaking into the top- school history to win 30 games in each of his first three seasons. 25 for the first time since 2007. In 2005, Servais coached the Bluejays to a 48-17 record and the Servais was named the 2011 MVC Coach of the Year, as he school’s first-ever MVC regular-season championship. It was also guided the Bluejays to series sweeps of Indiana State, Bradley and the team’s first NCAA postseason appearance since 2000. The Missouri State. The three wins over the Bears to close the reg- squad’s 48 wins were the second-most in program history, behind ular season gave Creighton the MVC regular-season crown only the 51 games won by the 1991 College World Series team. Ser- outright. The Bluejays then overcame fatigue and weather vais also brought home his second MVC Coach of the Year award in conditions in the MVC Tournament (including playing four as many seasons. games in two days) to position themselves for a chance at the tournament title. Creighton defeated Missouri State for the Creighton ended the 2005 campaign nationally ranked for the first fifth time in eight days, needing a wild pitch in the 12th in- time since 2000, a No. 28 ranking from Collegiate Baseball. Ser- ning to get a 4-3 victory. Finally Creighton bested Wichita State vais also led the Bluejays to a 5-3 regular-season win over No. 3 3-1 in the title game to earn the automatic bid into the NCAA Nebraska in front of more than 20,000 fans at Rosenblatt Stadium. Tournament. Creighton, however, ended its season with a 1-2 Creighton led the nation in double plays turned with 85 and set a showing in the Corvallis Regional. team record for assists with 803.
The Bluejays earned a host of postseason accolades, led by Ser- In 2004, Servais was honored as the MVC Coach of the Year, the first vais’ MVC Coach of the Year. Trever Adams was named First time in league history it was awarded to a first-year coach. Creigh- Team All-MVC. Adams was joined by Jimmy Swift and Jonas ton’s 15-win improvement from its 2003 record was the fifth-best Dufek on the 2011 All-MVC First Team. Mike Gerber, Ty Blach turnaround in the NCAA that year and the largest in the MVC since and Kurt Spomer were recognized as second teamers. Dufek gar- 1991. Servais led the Bluejays to 35 wins, including a school-record nered All-America honors from Collegiate Baseball, while Adams 22 MVC victories. was named All-America by Baseball America Collegiate Baseball, and the NCBWA. Gerber finished as a freshman Known as a coach who emphasizes the importance of team defense, All-American from Collegiate Baseball, while Blach his first season didn’t disappoint. Creighton’s .982 fielding percent- became the seventh player in program history to be named a CoSI- age in 2004 led the country and was the second-best mark in NCAA DA Academic All-American. history at the time.
Creighton finished the 2010 season, 27-25. Creighton excelled on the defensive side, finishing second in the nation in fielding per- centage at .980. The Bluejays committed just 41 errors in 52 games.
The end of the 2010 season saw four Bluejays recognized by the MVC and one Bluejay pitcher earning national honors. Elliot Soto and Carson Vitale were drafted, with Soto being taken by the Chica- go Cubs in the 15th round and Vitale by the Texas Rangers organi- zation in the 38th round.
In 2009, the Bluejays (31-25) came within one win of their third NCAA Tournament in five years, as they reached the MVC Tournament championship game before falling to Wichita State, 4-2. Defense set the tone for the squad as it finished with a .984 fielding percentage, tops in the NCAA. Servais coached seven All- MVC selections in 2009.
The Creighton skipper guided the 2008 team to another strong season. The Bluejays, who were 37-21 overall, posted a .976 fielding percentage, good for third in the nation, after committing only 52 errors in 58 games. Creighton was also near the top of the nation in sacrifice bunts as well as shutouts. Individually the Blue- jays featured four All-MVC picks in 2008, Pat Venditte, Robbie Knight, Steve Winkelmann and Darin Ruf.
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 9 Head Coach Ed Servais
Before his time at Iowa State, Servais was the head coach at St. Mary’s (Minn.) for seven years from 1989-1995. While at St. Mary’s, he compiled a record of 159-76-1 at the NCAA Division III school. He was named the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Coach of the Year in both 1990 and 1993 af- ter leading St. Mary’s to MIAC championships in both years. His 1990 pitching staff led Division III schools with a 2.34 earned run average. Between the years of 1991 and 1992, his teams went on a 26-game winning streak.
His 1993 team at St. Mary’s came just short of making the Division III World Series, falling in the final of the Division III Midwest Regional. That team was ranked as high as No. 10 in the country. In his seven years as head coach, St. Mary’s had six players drafted by major league teams.
Servais’ first collegiate head coaching position came at Viterbo College in La Crosse, Wis., in 1988 when he coached the NAIA Division II V-Hawks in the first year of baseball at the school. He made his only season there one to remember as Servais led the V-Hawks to a 23-6 overall record and an 11-1 confer- ence mark. Making that record even more impressive is that of the 17 players on the team, 14 were freshmen. One of those freshmen he coached was Damian Miller, who went on to the Major Leagues and was a member of the world champion Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001.
Servais’ first college coaching job came at St. Mary’s in 1984 as an assistant. He stayed there for three seasons, after which he left to Servais was named head coach on July 29, 2003 after serv- start the baseball program at Viterbo. ing as the program’s interim head coach for the previous month. He came to Creighton on Aug. 25, 1997 as an as- sistant on his staff. Servais (as an assistant) was on the bench for 174 Creighton wins, including a pair of NCAA Regional berths in 1999 and 2000. He was also on staff when Dahm was named MVC Coach of the Year in 1999 and 2002. With the help of Servais’ instruction, the 2002 edition of the Bluejays finished sec- ond in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Servais served as Creighton’s hitting and first base coach, as well as the defensive infield coach. He also served as the Bluejays’ recruit- ing coordinator. He made an immediate impact on the program in his first year, as the Bluejays ranked among the nation’s top defen- sive teams with a .965 fielding percentage in 1998. The team’s of- fensive numbers also increased significantly as the team batting av- erage went up 29 points to .313. The run production also increased from 6.9 to 7.5 runs per game.
His most talented team as an assistant was in 1999. That Bluejay squad hit .326 and averaged nearly eight runs per game. Ryan Gripp was named a First Team ABCA All-American following that season and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the third round of the MLB amateur draft.
As part of his job as infield coach, Servais helped make Tony Roth into an honorable mention All-MVC player. Roth was named con- ference Freshman of the Year in 2002 and was also a freshman All-American selection by Collegiate Baseball. That same year, sec- ond baseman Chris Hinrichs and shortstop Scott Allen were each named Honorable Mention All-MVC, making for a combination that turned 54 double plays, which ranked among NCAA leaders. Catcher Tim Gradoville was also named honorable mention All- MVC in 2002.
Before to coming to Creighton, Servais spent two years as an assistant coach at Iowa State University. During his time at ISU, he served as recruiting coordinator, hitting instructor, infield and outfield coach. He helped lead the Cyclones to a second-place finish at the final Big Eight Conference tournament in 1996.
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 10 Head Coach Ed Servais He got his start in coaching at Rib Lake High School in Rib Lake, Servais’ Career Coaching Record Wis. He coached for two years at Rib Lake and rang up a two- year record of 24-11 from 1982-1983. He led Rib Lake to the YEAR SCHOOL RECORD district finals in both of his years. 1984 St. Mary’s (Minn.), Assistant Coach 20-16 1985 St. Mary’s (Minn.), Assistant Coach 20-18 Servais graduated from Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1980 with a degree 1986 St. Mary’s (Minn.), Assistant Coach 14-24 in physical education. As a player, Servais was a three-time all-con- 1987 Viterbo, Head Coach Program’s Planning Season ference selection, the team’s co-captain and Most Valuable Player his senior year. He holds a master’s degree in physical education 1988 Viterbo, Head Coach 23-6 from Wisconsin-La Crosse, which he earned in 1986 while coaching 1989 St. Mary’s (Minn.), Head Coach 13-22-1 at St. Mary’s. 1990 St. Mary’s (Minn.), Head Coach 28-8 * 1991 St. Mary’s (Minn.), Head Coach 20-10 Servais resides in Omaha with his wife Anne. The couple has three 1992 St. Mary’s (Minn.), Head Coach 28-7 adult children: daughter Angela as well sons Joe and Michael. 1993 St. Mary’s (Minn.), Head Coach 26-7 * 1994 St. Mary’s (Minn.), Head Coach 20-11 Angela graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, in 1995 St. Mary’s (Minn.), Head Coach 24-11 2006 and went on to complete her master’s degree at Drake. An- 1996 Iowa State, Assistant Coach 23-31 gela and her husband Zach Gradnon, recently welcomed Ed’s first 1997 Iowa State, Assistant Coach 21-31 grandchild, Gwen. 1998 Creighton, Assistant Coach 27-27-1 1999 Creighton, Assistant Coach 38-25 ! Joe transferred to Creighton from the University of Kansas in 2000 Creighton, Assistant Coach 38-23 ! Lawrence, Kan., and played for the Bluejays in 2008, finishing with a .298 average in 54 games. Michael played second base and gradu- 2001 Creighton, Assistant Coach 21-31 ated from Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb. 2002 Creighton, Assistant Coach 30-24 2003 Creighton, Assistant Coach 20-37 Ed is also the uncle of former Creighton All-American and major 2004 Creighton, Head Coach 35-24 @ league catcher Scott Servais, who now is the manager of the 2005 Creighton, Head Coach 48-17 !@ Seattle Mariners. 2006 Creighton, Head Coach 31-21 2007 Creighton, Head Coach 45-16 !@ 2008 Creighton, Head Coach 37-21 # 2009 Creighton, Head Coach 31-25 2010 Creighton, Head Coach 27-25 2011 Creighton, Head Coach 45-16 !@ 2012 Creighton, Head Coach 28-30 ! 2013 Creighton, Head Coach 30-18 2014 Creighton, Head Coach 32-17-1 ^ 2015 Creighton, Head Coach 32-19 2016 Creighton, Head Coach 38-17 2017 Creighton, Head Coach 24-25 14-Year Creighton Totals 483-291-1 23-Year Head Coaching Totals 665-373-2 ! NCAA Regional ^ BIG EAST Coach of the Year * MIAC Coach of the Year @ MVC Coach of the Year # FieldTurf National Coach of the Year
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 11 Servais vs. 2018 Opponents
Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-0) Georgetown (10-2) Kansas State (10-8) Nebraska (13-28) First Meeting in 2018 4/11/14 W 2-0 4/27/04 W 4-1 3/23/04 L 3-7 4/12/14 W 13-4 3/1/05 W 8-3 4/20/04 W 6-4 Butler (9-2) 4/12/14 W 16-5 4/11/06 L 4-5 5/18/04 L 1-12 4/25/14 W 8-1 4/2/15 L 3-4 4/11/07 W 3-1 3/29/05 L 2-10 4/26/14 W 2-1 4/4/15 W 4-2 3/26/08 L 1-11 4/5/05 W 4-3 4/26/14 W 4-2 4/4/15 W 4-3 4/15/08 W 6-5 (11) 5/10/05 W 5-3 4/24/15 W 5-1 5/6/16 W 6-2 3/3/09 L 1-12 6/4/05 L 8-10 4/26/15 L 1-2 5/7/16 W 4-0 4/1/09 W 5-1 6/5/05 L 2-10 4/26/15 W 1-0 5/8/16 L 2-3 3/16/10 W 7-4 4/4/06 L 4-6 4/15/16 W 2-1 4/13/17 W 7-5 4/12/11 W 7-6 4/18/06 L 2-4 4/16/16 W 6-4 4/14/17 W 6-4 4/30/13 L 3-6 5/16/06 L 1-4 4/17/16 W 4-3 (10) 4/15/17 W 11-9 3/28/14 W 4-3 4/17/07 W 2-1 5/18/17 W 3-1 3/29/14 L 5-8 5/15/07 W 9-2 5/19/17 L 1-7 Illinois State (22-9) 3/30/14 L 2-8 4/3/07 L 10-12 4/16/04 W 8-5 3/10/15 L 5-10 5/13/08 L 1-8 California (0-1) 4/17/04 L 4-6 3/11/15 W 6-3 4/22/08 L 3-4 3/6/12 L 5-7 4/18/04 W 9-7 3/9/16 L 2-8 4/23/08 L 7-16 3/26/05 W 8-2 3/22/16 W 5-4 4/7/09 W 15-0 Central Arkansas (5-1) 3/26/05 W 4-1 4/21/09 L 3-4 (12) 2/20/10 W 3-2 3/27/05 W 7-4 Minnesota (3-3) 4/6/10 W 13-5 3/9/11 L 7-8 4/8/06 W 8-6 3/13/10 W 6-4 4/20/10 W 8-5 2/17/12 W 4-3 4/9/06 W 14-4 2/21/14 L 5-10 5/18/10 L 5-21 2/18/12 W 7-3 (10) 4/9/06 L 13-14 2/22/14 W 11-4 4/5/11 L 5-8 2/19/12 W 5-1 5/11/07 W 10-3 2/23/14 W 8-0 4/19/11 L 1-2 3/11/14 W 10-2 5/12/07 W 5-3 3/7/15 L 6-8 (12) 5/10/11 W 9-8 5/13/07 W 7-3 3/8/15 L 0-9 4/10/12 L 3-5 Evansville (22-10) 3/28/08 W 4-0 4/24/12 L 1-4 4/2/04 W 9-4 3/29/08 W 15-6 5/8/12 W 8-1 4/3/04 W 1-0 3/30/08 W 5-0 4/26/13 W 5-3 4/4/04 W 11-4 5/1/09 W 8-3 5/14/13 L 9-12 5/28/04 L 4-6 5/2/09 W 12-2 3/19/14 L 4-5 (10) 5/13/05 W 8-7 (11) 5/3/09 W 10-6 4/8/14 L 2-4 5/14/05 W 7-5 4/9/10 L 2-6 3/31/15 L 1-5 5/15/05 L 4-6 4/10/10 L 6-7 4/14/15 L 6-7 5/26/05 W 6-0 4/11/10 L 6-7 4/28/15 L 6-7 4/21/06 L 2-9 4/8/11 L 4-5 3/29/16 L 2-8 4/22/06 W 13-3 (8) 4/9/11 W 8-2 4/12/16 W 4-3 4/23/06 L 1-7 4/10/11 W 6-5 5/17/16 L 2-15 3/23/07 L 0-6 4/28/12 W 6-5 4/4/17 L 6-14 3/24/07 W 4-3 4/28/12 L 2-7 4/18/17 W 5-2 3/25/07 W 9-1 5/23/12 W 11-5 5/10/17 L 0-4 4/25/08 W 9-4 5/24/12 W 10-3 4/26/08 W 7-1 5/3/13 L 2-9 Nebraska-Omaha (6-3) 4/27/08 W 13-1 (7) 5/4/13 L 0-6 3/27/12 L 2-3 4/3/09 W 7-4 5/5/13 W (11) 9-4 5/9/12 W 6-1 4/4/09 L 3-4 3/29/13 W 4-3 4/5/09 W 10-5 (10) Kansas (6-6) 3/30/13 W 11-4 4/30/10 W 3-2 2/22/04 L 1-5 3/31/13 L 2-4 5/1/10 W 7-3 4/26/06 L 1-9 4/22/14 L 1-4 5/2/10 W 15-5 (7) 4/14/09 L 6-7 (10) 4/21/15 W 8-2 5/14/11 W 2-1 (12) 3/23/10 L 4-5 5/17/16 W 2-1 5/15/11 W 4-0 4/7/10 L 4-5 5/9/17 W 7-5 5/16/11 L 1-10 2/22/11 W 4-3 3/30/12 L 4-8 4/26/11 W 5-3 Northeastern 3/31/12 W 3-2 (10) 4/3/12 W 7-3 First Meeting in 2018 4/1/12 L 0-1 4/2/13 W 6-4 3/22/13 W 6-1 4/16/13 W 12-4 3/23/13 L 1-4 3/26/14 L 0-11 3/24/13 W 6-2 3/22/17 W 7-3
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 12 Servais vs. 2018 Opponents
Seton Hall (13-4) UC Davis (4-2) Wichita State (17-26) Xavier (7-6) 5/2/14 L 2-8 3/2/12 W 7-6 5/7/04 W 4-1 5/15/14 L 4-9 5/3/14 W 4-3 (10) 3/3/12 L 3-6 5/8/04 W 2-1 5/16/14 W 7-2 5/4/14 W 8-7 (10) 3/4/12 W 7-6 5/8/04 W 8-1 5/17/14 W 7-6 (12) 5/23/14 W 2-1 3/26/17 L 1-12 5/9/04 L 2-15 5/22/14 W 9-2 5/1/15 L 4-5 3/27/17 W 2-1 4/22/05 L 0-5 5/25/14 L 0-5 5/2/15 W 10-7 3/28/17 W 4-3 4/23/05 L 3-4 4/10/15 W 8-2 5/3/15 W 4-2 4/24/05 W 10-1 4/11/15 W 6-1 5/21/15 W 7-4 Villanova (11-1) 5/27/05 L 0-3 4/12/15 W 3-1 5/23/15 W 12-1 4/17/14 L 3-6 5/28/05 W 4-3 5/13/16 W 4-2 4/8/16 W 3-1 4/18/14 W 12-6 5/28/05 L 3-10 5/14/16 L 5-6 4/9/16 W 7-1 4/19/14 W 4-0 3/31/06 W 2-1 (11) 5/14/16 L 4-6 4/10/16 L 4-5 5/14/15 W 13-5 4/1/06 W 3-0 5/27/16 L 3-5 5/26/16 W 6-5 5/15/15 W 4-2 4/2/06 L 1-3 (8) 5/29/16 L 7-8 5/5/17 W 2-1 5/16/15 W 4-3 5/25/06 L 1-3 4/28/17 L 1-2 5/6/17 W 4-3 4/29/16 W 9-3 4/6/07 W 3-2 5/26/17 L 6-7 5/7/17 L 0-1 4/30/16 W 10-4 4/7/07 L 1-2 5/25/17 W 4-1 4/30/16 W 6-5 4/8/07 L 1-7 4/21/17 W 6-5 5/26/07 L 1-2 South Dakota State (18-4) 4/22/17 W 11-2 5/26/07 W 10-9 (12) 3/15/05 W 13-0 (7) 4/23/17 W 2-1 4/12/08 W 7-3 3/15/05 W 3-2 (7) 4/13/08 L 3-11 4/26/05 W 13-1 4/13/08 L 2-3 3/13/07 L 4-13 5/14/09 L 1-4 3/25/08 W 9-8 5/15/09 L 2-5 3/14/09 W 8-2 5/16/09 L 1-11 (7) 3/15/09 L 2-4 5/21/09 W 11-0 (7) 3/15/09 L 3-12 5/23/09 L 2-4 4/28/09 W 5-2 5/7/10 L 0-8 3/12/10 W 3-2 5/8/10 L 3-8 3/11/11 W 6-0 5/9/10 L 7-8 3/12/11 W 6-3 5/6/11 L 0-8 3/13/11 W 13-0 5/7/11 W 7-5 4/13/12 L 2-5 5/8/11 L 3-12 4/15/12 W 6-5 5/28/11 W 3-1 5/8/13 W 7-1 5/17/12 W 7-3 3/14/14 W 5-4 (10) 5/18/12 L 0-2 3/15/14 W 3-1 5/19/12 L 1-5 3/17/15 W 4-2 5/10/13 W 6-5 4/29/15 W 8-5 5/11/13 W 3-1 4/13/16 W 6-5 (11) 5/12/13 L 1-4 4/11/17 W 6-5 (11) 5/22/13 L 4-11 5/10/16 L 3-7 St. John’s (8-7) 4/26/16 W 4-3 (10) 5/9/14 L 5-6 5/11/14 W 13-11 5/11/14 W 15-5 4/17/15 W 6-0 4/18/15 L 1-4 5/22/15 L 1-8 5/24/15 L 7-8 5/19/16 W 6-3 5/20/16 W 6-2 5/21/16 L 2-6 5/28/16 W 4-3 (10) 4/7/17 L 2-3 (14) 4/8/17 W 7-4 4/9/17 W 5-1 5/27/17 L 2-10
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 13 Assistant Coach Eric Wordekemper 12 • Eric Wordekemper
Assistant Coach Creighton (2015) • Fifth Season at Creighton
Wordekemper took over as the Bluejays’ pitching coach in the fall of 2016 after Wordekemper’s Résumé • Assistant Coach, spending the previous three seasons as a volunteer Creighton (2016 - present) and undergraduate assistant. Pitching Coach
Wordekemper spent the 2014 & 2015 • Volunteer Assistant Coach, seasons as an undergraduate assistant coach at Creighton, completing his degree in Creighton (2016) Integrated Leadership Studies spring of 2015. In 2016 he was the volunteer Assistant Pitching Coach assistant. • Undergraduate Assistant Coach, Creighton (2014-15) “The game has continued to evolve since I was a student-athlete,” said Wordekemper. “Pitching has become more impactful and being in the dugout with coach Professional Career Servais ignited a desire to pass on the knowledge I have to young men.” • Sioux City - Independent American Association (2015-16) Wordekemper’s impact was on display following the 2017 season Creighton claimed the BIG EAST regular season title and three Bluejay pitchers were selected in the MLB Draft (Rollie • Camden - Independent Lacy, Keith Rogalla and David Gerber). Atlantic League (2013)
• 7-Eleven Lions - Chinese An 11-year veteran in pro ball, Wordekemper was drafted by the New York Yankees following Professional League (2012) the 2005 season. He had stints at the A, AA & AAA levels for the New York Yankees over the course of seven seasons. Wordekemper pitched at the AAA level for the Yankees in 2006 (Co- • Tabasco - Mexican League (2012) lumbus) as well as 2009-11 (Scranton Wilkes-Barre). • New York Yankees (2005-11) Wordekemper received the Pitcher of the Year Award for the Florida State League in 2007, Drafted in 46th Round in 2005 amassing a 0.57 ERA. He played a season in Taiwan, three stints in Mexico, one year in Ven- Pitched at the A, AA & AAA levels ezuela, and two stints at the Independent level. Collegiate Career • Creighton (2003-05) Over his 11-year professional career, Wordekemper had a combined 33-17 Combined 14-8 record over 173.1 IP record over 344 appearances, closing his career with a combined 3.45 ERA in 561.1 innings. Perfect 6-0 mark in 2005
During his three seasons as a Bluejay (2003-05), Wordekemper posted a combined 14-8 record over 173.1 innings. His best season came in 2005 as he delivered a flawless 6-0 record in 43.1 innings.
Eric and his wife, Natalie, were married during the summer fo 2017. The couple live in Omaha.
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 14 Assistant Coach Connor Gandossy 28 • Connor Gandossy
Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Saint Louis (2012) • First Season at Creighton
Gandossy came to Creighton from Saint Louis Gandossy’s Résumé University (SLU), where he served as an assistant • Assistant Coach, coach for the three seasons (2015-17) and as a Creighton (2017-present) volunteer assistant in 2014. Gandossy was specifically - Recruiting Coordinator responsible for developing catchers and working - Catching Coach with the offense at SLU. He played a pivotal role in the • Assistant Coach, recruiting efforts for the Billikens, working to land Perfect Game Top 100 classes in both Saint Louis (2015-17) the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Gandossy is expected to step in each of those three areas for - Recruiting Coordinator the Bluejays. - Catching Coach - Hitting Coach
“From the start I was impressed with the energy and enthusiasm Connor brought to • Volunteer Assistant Coach, campus,” said Creighton head coach Ed Servais. “He has strong contacts throughout the Saint Louis (2014) Midwest which is a critical recruiting area for our program.” • Volunteer Assistant Coach, Jefferson College (2013) “It’s an honor to earn a position at Creighton. I’m extremely excited to be part of the Bluejay program and it’s a thrill to work for one of the best tactical coaches in the country,” Collegiate Career said Gandossy. “Creighton has a long history of success and I want to help extend and • Saint Louis (2009-12) improve that legacy. “
A standout catcher for the Billikens from 2009-12, Gandossy’s coaching career began just after his final season at SLU as an assistant coach at Jefferson College.
During his playing days, Gandossy appeared in 157 games behind the plate. He caught 49 contests in each of his last two seasons at SLU. His 615 career putouts remain 15th in Billiken history.
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 15 Chris Cleary and Michelle Potts 7 • Chris Cleary
Volunteer Assistant Coach Menlo College (2016) • Second Season at Creighton
After three seasons at Butler, Cleary joined the Cleary’s Résumé • Volunteer Assistant Coach, Bluejays in the fall of 2016. In addition to his work Creighton (2016-present) on the field (first base coach, positioning outfielders and serving as a secondary hitting coach), Cleary • Volunteer Assistant Coach, is instrumental for Creighton in his role as a staff Butler (2014-16) administrator. • Assistant Coach, Menlo College (2012-14) With the Bulldogs, Cleary was responsible for coaching the infielders and assisting with the hitters. During the 2015 campaign, Butler set a school record by posting a Collegiate Career • Menlo College (2008-12) program best .970 fielding percentage. Four-year letterwinner Cleary’s first coaching role came at his alma mater, Menlo College in Atherton, Calif., where he was an assistant coach. Cleary initially worked as the outfield coach during the 2012-2013 season, then was promoted to pitching coach in September 2013.
In his first season at Menlo, the program reached the Cascade Conference Championship game and broke the school record in wins (34). Cleary also helped them reach a top-five national ranking in fielding percentage (.970). During his stint at Menlo, Cleary coached two MLB draftees, five All-Cascade Conference players, an NAIA All-American, and a conference player of the year.
Cleary graduated from Menlo College with a degree in Sports Management in 2012. He was part of the program’s first regional appearance and Cascade Conference Cham- pionship. Michelle Potts
Director of Baseball Operations Third Season at Creighton
In her third year of law school at Creighton, Potts’ Résumé Potts’ passion for baseball brought her to the • Director of Baseball Operations, Bluejays early in the fall of 2015. Creighton (2015-present)
She quickly became a vital portion of the baseball Collegiate Credentials • Creighton School of Law staff, helping organize the coaching staff as well as J.D. Candidate (2018) handling all travel for the Bluejays. Potts also coordinates player meals both at home and on the road. • Nebraska (2014) B.S. Agricultural Economics B.S. Agronomy Originally from Yankton, S.D., Michelle earned her B.S. in Agricultural Economics and Agronomy at Nebraska in 2014.
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 16 Curtis Self and Brad Schmidt Curtis Self
Athletic Trainer Coe College (2000) • 11th Season at Creighton
Curtis Self is in his 11th year with Creighton, serving as the athletic trainer for baseball. He is also responsible men’s and women’s cross country, oversees the softball graduate assistant and is the insurance coordinator.
He is a certified athletic trainer and has been a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association since 1998. Self is an approved clinical instructor through CAAHEP as well as CPR and AED certified.
Self was an associate athletic trainer at the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C., from 2002-08. While at Charleston, he was the facility coordinator of the Patriots Point Athletic Training room with sport assignments for the baseball and women’s tennis teams. Prior to his stint at the College of Charleston, Self served as an athletic trainer for the Texas Rangers Minor League Baseball Club for two seasons. With the Texas Rangers he was responsible for the evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation associated with the rookie classification Gulf Coast Rangers.
Self was a graduate assistant at Western Michigan University where he earned his Master of Arts degree in physical education and recreation with an athletic training emphasis in 2002. He graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education and athletic training in May 2000. While an athletic training student at Coe College, he was also a member of the men’s swimming team.
Originally from Grand Island, Neb., Self and his wife, Kristine, reside in Omaha. The couple have two yellow labs, Gunner and Linus. Brad Schmidt
Athletic Performance Coach Iowa State (2008) • Seventh Season at Creighton
Brad Schmidt is in his seventh season as the athletic performance coach for the Creighton baseball team. A graduate of Iowa State in 2008, Schmidt served as the assistant strength and conditioning coach at South Dakota State for two years before taking the same position at Creighton in January of 2012.
During his time with the Jackrabbits, Brad earned his Master’s at South Dakota State in 2010.
Schmidt is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, as well as a certified sports performance coach by USA Weightlifting. He and his wife, Vanessa, reside in Omaha with their children, Ava and Peter.
Creighton University student-athletes benefit from year-round strength and conditioning training programs in The Championship Center. The 6,000 square foot state-of-the-art Mary Pat and Dick McCormick Athletic Performance Center is equipped with 12 Power Lift half-racks that each have inlaid lifting platforms and the EliteForm system. Additionally, the Athletic Performance Center features Uesaka Collegiate Series Bumper Plates, Plae Flooring, Iron Grip dumbbells, and a nutrition/hydration station to provide Creighton student-athletes with the optimal training and recovery environment.
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 17 Senior Grant Spranger
19 • Grant Spranger
Sr. • LHP • 6-2 • 210 • L/L Bettendorf, Iowa (Bettendorf HS/Southeastern CC)
Full Name: Grant Rae Spranger Parents: Mark and Mary Spranger Major: Biology (Pre-Med) Sibling: Sydney
Birthplace: Bettendorf, Iowa
2017 (Junior) • Grant made 12 appearances for the Bluejays in 2017, all out of the bullpen. • Spranger closed the season with a 3.86 ERA in 9.1 innings. • Grant’s longest outing of the season was 2.0 innings against Michigan on Feb. 25.
2015-16 (Southeastern CC) • As a sophomore Spranger appeared in 14 games, starting 10 contests. He closed the season with a 10-2 record, including four complete games. • Grant recorded 70 strikeouts over 71.2 innings in 2016, while walking just 18 hitters. • In his first season at Southeastern, Spranger appeared in 11 games. He started 10 contests, closing the season with a 6-1 record over 59.0 innings.
2010-14 (Bettendorf High School) • Grant earned six combined letters in baseball (three), football, basketball and soccer as a Bulldog. • Grant was selected to the First Team All-Mississippi Conference as a senior and nabbed Second Team honors following his junior year. • Spranger was also a First Team All-Mississippi Conference se- lection as a senior in football.
Personal • Both of Grant’s parents competed for University of Iowa. His father (Mark) was a member of the Hawkeyes’ football team from 1983-87, while his mother (Mary) was a golfer from 1983-87.
Spranger’s Creighton Pitching Statistics - All Games Year W-L ERA APP GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR OppBA WP HBP BK 2017 0-0 3.86 12 0 0 0 0 9.1 16 6 4 5 5 1 1 1 .372 1 3 1 Total 0-0 3.86 12 0 0 0 0 9.1 16 6 4 5 5 1 1 1 .372 1 3 1
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 18 Senior Ryan Tapani
38 • Ryan Tapani
Sr. • RHP • 6-0 • 190 • R/R Wayzata, Minn. (Providence Academy/St. Olaf College)
Full Name: Ryan Kevin Tapani Parents: Kevin and Sharon Tapani Major: Marketing Siblings: Lukas and Sarah Did You Know: Ryan’s father Kevein Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minn. pitched in MLB for 13 seasons.
2017 (Redshirt Junior) • Ryan appeared in 14 games as a Bluejay, earning the start against Nebraska-Omaha contest on May 9. • Tapani tossed a combined 25.2 innings, with 26 strikeouts. • Ryan shined down the stretch, allowing just one run in his final three outings (a combined 7.2 innings).
2016 (Junior) • After transferring to Creighton, Tapani redshirted the 2016 season.
2014-15 (St. Olaf College) • Ryan spent his first two seasons at St. Olaf College in Minnesota. • He appeared in three games as a sophomore, starting two. Ryan tossed 16 innings, allowing just two earned runs for a 1.12 ERA. He recorded 19 strikeouts and walked two that season. • During his freshman campaign, Tapani appeared in nine games with eight starts. He closed the season with a 4-3 record over 51.2 innings. Ryan led the Oles with a 4.18 ERA, striking out 39 and walking just five batters.
2009-13 (Providence Academy) • Playing his final season for his father, former MLB pitcher Kevin Tapani, Ryan was a First Team All-Metro selection in each of his final two seasons. • He went on to represent Providence in the Minnesota All-Star Game. • Ryan was also an accomplished hockey player for Providence, earning four letters on the ice.
Tapani’s Creighton Pitching Statistics - All Games Year W-L ERA APP GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR OppBA WP HBP BK 2017 3-1 7.01 14 1 0 0 0 25.2 32 22 20 11 26 9 0 3 .323 1 4 1 Total 3-1 7.01 14 1 0 0 0 25.2 32 22 20 11 26 9 0 3 .323 1 4 1
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 19 Senior Blake Whitecotton
18 • Blake Whitecotton
Sr. • C • 6-0 • 205 • R/R Maple Grove, Minn. (Maple Grove HS/North Iowa Area CC)
Full Name: Blake Jeffrey Whitecotton Parents: Jeff and Nancy Whitecotton Major: Communications Sibling: Kelsey
Birthplace: Robbinsdale, Minn.
2017 (Junior) • Blake appeared in five games for the Bluejays as a junior. • He closed the season with three official at-bats. • Whitecotton recorded 12 putouts and one assist.
2015-16 (North Iowa Area CC) • Blake appeared in 55 games for the Trojans during the 2016 season. He closed the season with nine home runs and a .296 average at the dish. Whitecotton also delivered 34 RBI and scored 44 runs. • Blake’s efforts in 2016 earned a First Team All-ACCAC Selection. • In his first season at NIACC, Blake served as the Trojans back- up catcher. He played in 12 games, going 2-for-10 (.200) with a double and a .429 on-base percentage.
2010-14 (Maple Grove HS) • Blake earned a combined eight letters while playing for the Crimson in baseball (three), football (three) and hockey (two). • Whitecotton was an All-Northwest Suburban pick following each of his junior and senior seasons. • He also collected the same honor for his play on the football field as a senior.
Whitecotton’s Creighton Hitting Statistics - All Games Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD% 2017 .000 5-2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0-0 12 1 0 1.000 Total .000 5-2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0-0 12 1 0 1.000
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 20 Junior Clark Brinkman
23 • Clark Brinkman
Jr. • OF • 6-2 • 200 • R/R Addison, Ill. (IC Catholic Prep HS/ Dayton/McHenry County College)
Full Name: Clark Addison Brinkman Parents: Scott and Susan Brinkman Major: Exercise Science Siblings: Stone
Birthplace: Addison, Ill.
2017 (Sophomore) • Clark took over the center field duties, playing and starting 48 of 49 games. • Brinkman moved into the leadoff spot midway through the season, closing the season with a .241 average. • Clark collected 10 multi-hit contests, including three-hit performances against Air Force on March 8 and versus South Dakota State on April 11. • Brinkman’s defense was on display as he made two diving catches in against McNeese State on May 13. Both catches were featured on Sportcenter’s Top-10. • Clark led the team with two triples and 10 sacrifice bunts.
2016 (McHenry County College) • Clark started all 54 games during the 2016 season for the Scots. He closed his freshman campaign with 76 hits, 72 RBI, 18 sto- len bases and hit .369. • Brinkman’s efforts helped McHenry County reach the NJCAA DII World Series, placing seventh overall.
2015 (Dayton) • Clark used his redshirt option during the 2015 season while at- tending Dayton.
2010-14 (IC Catholic Prep HS) • Brinkman graduated from IC Catholic Prep in Addison, Ill. in 2014, where he earned a combined eight letters in baseball (four) and football (four). • A four-time All-Metro Suburban Conference honoree, Clark hit .446 batting average with two home runs and 27 stolen bases as a senior. • A four-time Academic All-Metro Suburban selection, Brinkman graduated with high honors.
Brinkman’s Creighton Hitting Statistics - All Games Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD% 2017 .241 48-48 187 23 45 10 2 3 22 .364 15 5 42 1 .314 0 10 8-11 116 2 0 1.000 Total .241 48-48 187 23 45 10 2 3 22 .364 15 5 42 1 .314 0 10 8-11 116 2 0 1.000
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 21 Junior Michael Emodi
14 • Michael Emodi
Jr. • C • 6-4 • 225 • R/R Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep)
Full Name: Michael James Emodi Parents: George and Maureen Emodi Major: Accounting Siblings: Matt, Maggie and Andrew Birthplace: Omaha, Neb.
2017 (Sophomore) • Mike was the Bluejays rock, playing all but eight innings behind the plate for Creighton. • An All-BIG EAST Second Team selection, Emodi started 47 games and came off the bench in the other two. • Michael led Creighton with 50 hits, nine home runs, 39 RBI and was fourth on the squad with a .270 batting average. • Emodi had 14 multi-hit games, including a four-hit performance against Utah Valley on March 19. In that contest Emodi collected a career-high seven RBI. • Emodi’s two-home run game at Georgetown on April 14 helped the Bluejays best the Hoyas. • Another BIG EAST highlight was the monster shot Emodi hit into the soccer field at Seton Hall to secure the win on May 5.
2016 (Redshirt Freshman) • After opening the season in a platoon role behind the dish, Emodi worked his way into the starting gig. • He appeared in 41 games, starting 29 contests. Emodi closed the season tied for second on the team with two home runs. • Both of his round-trippers were prodigious shots. Against Brigham Young on April 23 Emodi blasted a shot out of the stadium to straight away center field, finishing with six RBI. • Emodi’s second home run bounced off the scoreboard at St. John’s as he delivered three RBI in the contest on May 19. • Behind the plate, Emodi threw out 16 runners as a freshman.
2015 (Freshman) • Michael used his redshirt option during the 2015 season.
2011-14 (Creighton Prep High School) • Emodi earned All-Metro Conference selection by the Omaha World-Herald following his senior season after hitting .415. • As a junior, Michael drove in 47 runs and hit .303 while earning a spot on the 2013 Lincoln Journal Star All-State team. He hit six home runs and nabbed Omaha World-Herald All-State Honorable Mention. • Starting his varsity career as a sophomore, Emodi hit .365 with five home runs and 35 RBI during his first season. • Emodi played on the Creighton Prep Legion team that placed fourth at the Legion World Series in 2012. • In addition to his success on the diamond, Michael earned First Team All-State honors in football and Senior Football MVP. • He claimed a combined eight varsity letters in baseball (three), foot- ball (three) and basketball (two).
Emodi’s Career Hitting Statistics - All Games Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD% 2016 .182 41-29 88 8 16 4 0 2 13 .295 12 4 24 2 .305 1 1 0-0 165 29 1 .995 2017 .270 49-47 185 26 50 13 0 9 39 .486 11 12 48 3 .351 0 2 1-3 372 58 3 .993 Total .242 90-76 273 34 66 17 0 11 52 .425 23 16 72 5 .335 1 3 1-3 537 87 4 .994
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 22 Junior Thomas Luevano
4 • Thomas Luevano
Jr. • UTL/RHP • 6-0 • 180 • R/R Santa Clarita, Calif. (Bishop Alemany HS/Moorpark College)
Full Name: Thomas Joseph Luevano Parents: Ricardo and Stacy Luevano Major: Marketing Siblings: Ricky, Jessica and Daniel
Birthplace: Northridge, Calif.
2017 (Sophomore) • Thomas played every inning as the Bluejays’ shortstop last season. • He closed the season with a .247 average, with 46 hits to tie for second on the team. • Luevano collected 11 multi-hit games last season, including a four-hit performance in a win over Nebraska-Omaha on May 9. • The win over UNO saw Luevano smash a two-run home run in the ninth to propel Creighton to the 7-5 win. • Earlier in the year he also blasted a game-winning shot with a solo home run in the eighth against UC Davis on March 28.
2015-16 (Moorpark College) • Thomas sat out the 2016 season with an injured back, using his redshirt year. • As a freshman Luevano hit .313 over 36 games with one home run and 25 RBI. • Thomas also nabbed eight stolen bases and scored 28 runs.
2010-14 (Bishop Alemany HS) • Thomas earned two letters in baseball as a Warrior, helping his team to a 20-8-2 mark during the 2014 season. • A dual threat on the diamond, Luevano was both a middle in- fielder as well as a pitcher. Thomas hit .306 with 19 hits and 12 RBI as a senior. On the mound he held the opposition to a .143 average, collecting one save and four strikeouts in 3.2 innings.
Luevano’s Creighton Hitting Statistics - All Games Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD% 2017 .247 49-49 186 29 46 8 1 4 24 .366 10 8 42 4 .308 4 7 5-9 55 106 17 .904 Total .247 49-49 186 29 46 8 1 4 24 .366 10 8 42 4 .308 4 7 5-9 55 106 17 .904
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 23 Sophomore Jason Allbery
15 • Jason Allbery
So. • OF/INF • 6-3 • 215 • R/R Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep)
Full Name: Jason Michael Allbery Parents: Brian and Sandi Allbery Major: Nursing Siblings: Alex, Eric, Amanda and Julia
Birthplace: Galveston, Texas
2017 (Redshirt Freshman) • Asked to move to first base when he returned for spring practice, Jason acquitted himself very well with just two errors at first. • Jason appeared in all 49 contests, starting 47 times. He closed the season with a .253 average on 41 hits. • Allbery had nine multi-hit games, led by a four hit effort against Wichita State on April 26.
2016 (Freshman) • Jason used his redshirt option during the 2016 season.
2011-15 (Creighton Prep High School) • Allbery graduated from Creighton Prep in the spring of 2015, leading the Junior Jays to the Legion World Series. • During his senior season at Creighton Prep, Allbery hit .343 with 34 hits, 24 runs scored and 22 RBI. He closed the season with 12 extra-base hits, six doubles, two triples and four home runs. • In addition to his prowess at the dish, Allbery was the Junior Jays’ closer, with five saves and a 1.92 ERA. • Allbery earned All-Nebraska First Team honors from the Oma- ha World-Herald as well as the Lincoln Journal Star. • Allbery hit .423 as a junior with nine doubles, three home runs, 39 runs, 26 walks and 27 RBI, earning All-Nebraska Second Team honors. • Jason was also recognized following the 2013 season with All-Nebraska Honorable Mention by the Omaha World-Herald.
Allbery’s Career Hitting Statistics - All Games Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD% 2017 .253 49-47 162 21 41 7 2 2 17 .358 16 6 28 1 .341 1 3 5-9 400 18 3 .993 Total .253 49-47 162 21 41 7 2 2 17 .358 16 6 28 1 .341 1 3 5-9 400 18 3 .993
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 24 Sophomore Mitch Boyer
37 • Mitch Boyer
So. • RHP • 6-3 • 190 • R/R Batavia, Ill. (Batavia HS)
Full Name: Mitchell Boyer Parents: Nicholas and Maureen Boyer Major: Marketing Sibling: Madelyn
Birthplace: Elmhurst, Ill.
2017 (Redshirt Freshman) • Mitch appeared in five games for the Bluejays in 2017, tossing a combined 7.2 innings. • Boyer’s first trip to the mound came on March 8 at Air Force. The Illinois native tossed a season-high 2.1 innings, limiting the Falcons to just two hits. • Mitch closed the season with 10 strikeouts, a 5.87 ERA and issued just two walks.
2016 (Freshman) • Boyer used his redshirt option during the 2016 season.
2011-15 (Batavia High School) • Boyer lettered during his final two seasons as a Bulldog. • He helped lead Batavia to a 33-4-1 record in 2014 as well as a 16-14 mark in 2015.
Boyer’s Career Pitching Statistics - All Games Year W-L ERA APP GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR OppBA WP HBP BK 2017 0-0 5.87 5 1 0 0 0 7.2 9 5 5 2 10 4 0 2 .281 0 0 0 Total 0-0 5.87 5 1 0 0 0 7.2 9 5 5 2 10 4 0 2 .281 0 0 0
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 25 Sophomore Isaac Collins
1 • Isaac Collins
So. • INF • 5-11 • 180 • S/R Maple Grove, Minn. (Maple Grove HS)
Full Name: Isaac Michael Collins Parents: Michael and Betty Collins Major: Economics Sibling: Roman
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pa.
2017 (Freshman) • Locked in a battle for time at second to open the season, Isaac staked his claim to the starting role by the second week. The result was 46 appearances and 44 starts for the Minnesota native in 2017. • An All-BIG EAST Second Team selection, Collins closed the season with a .282 avearge, tying for second on the team with 46 hits. • Isaac led the Bluejays with 11 stolen bases and was second on the squad with 25 walks. • Collins had 16 multi-hit games in 2017, including three hit performances against Winthrop (April 2), and twice versus Villanova (April 22 & 23).
2012-16 (Maple Grove High School) • Collins earned a combined nine letters while playing for the Crimson in baseball (five), football (three) and basketball (one). • He was the first player since current Minnesota Twin Joe Mauer (2001) to be named a finalist for the Mr. Minnesota Award in both baseball and football. • Isaac hit .480 during his senior season, with 39 hits over 27 contests. He set the Maple Grove HS record for hits in a single game with six and also holds the record for triples in a season with five. • An All-State selection as a senior, Isaac was a four-time All-Midwest Suburban Conference pick. • Collins was the MVP of the Lion’s All-Star Game shortly before coming to Creighton
Collins’s Career Hitting Statistics - All Games Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD% 2017 .282 46-44 163 23 46 2 1 2 11 .344 25 2 40 2 .380 2 3 11-16 72 106 4 .978 Total .282 46-44 163 23 46 2 1 2 11 .344 25 2 40 2 .380 2 3 11-16 72 106 4 .978
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 26 Sophomore Nick Ortega
13 • Nick Ortega
So. • OF • 5-9 • 180 • R/R Tampa, Fla. (Jesuit HS)
Full Name: Nicholas Antonio Ortega Parents: Eddie and Lisa Ortega Major: Finance Siblings: Alexis and Matthew
Birthplace: Tampa, Fla.
2017 (Freshman) • The son of former Bluejay Eddie Ortega (1983-86), Nick appeared in 18 games as a freshman. • Often used in late game situations, Nick was 1-for-5 as a pinch hitter, collecting his first hit against Utah Valley on March 19.
2012-16 (Jesuit High School) • A three-year letterwinner for the Tigers, Ortega earned his team’s gold glove as a senior. • Nick hit .311 in 82 games over his three seasons with Jesuit. As a senior he hit at a .326 clip in 30 contests. • Ortega collected 28 hits and scored 26 runs as a senior. His 15 RBI helped the Tigers to a 24-6 mark, including an undefeated record (10-0) in district play (6A-8).
Ortega’s Career Hitting Statistics - All Games Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD% 2017 .167 18-1 6 2 1 0 0 0 1 .167 6 1 3 0 .615 0 4 0-2 10 0 0 1.000 Total .167 18-1 6 2 1 0 0 0 1 .167 6 1 3 0 .615 0 4 0-2 10 0 0 1.000
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 27 Sophomore Will Robertson
24 • Will Robertson
So. • OF • 6-1 • 210 • L/L Loose Creek, Mo. (Fatima HS)
Full Name: Jonathan Will Robertson Parents: Jon and Cindy Robertson Major: Business Siblings: Ben and Emma
Birthplace: Loose Creek, Mo.
2017 (Freshman) • One of the highlights of the 2017 season, Robertson closed the year by being named a Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American. • Will started all 49 games for the Bluejays in 2017, becoming the first CU freshman to start every contest since future Major Leaguer Darin Ruf in 2006. • Robertson hit .272 and finished with 10 doubles, three home runs and 21 RBI. He also led Creighton with 26 walks, two triples and five outfield assists en route to earning Second Team All-BIG EAST acclaim. • Will delivered nine multi-hit games, including four three-hits performances.
2012-16 (Fatima High School) • Robertson earned four letters in baseball and another four with the Comets basketball squad. • Will helped guide Fatima HS to the Class 3 State title in 2015, launching the game-winning home run in the eighth inning to give the Comets a 3-2 win over Scott City. • A three-time All-State First Team selection, Robertson also earned First Team honors in district and conference.
Robertson’s Career Hitting Statistics - All Games Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD% 2017 .272 49-49 169 9 46 10 2 3 21 .408 26 5 36 5 .381 2 1 0-4 105 5 4 .965 Total .272 49-49 169 9 46 10 2 3 21 .408 26 5 36 5 .381 2 1 0-4 105 5 4 .965
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 28 Sophomore John Sakowski
35 • John Sakowski
So. • RHP • 6-2 • 195 • R/R Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep)
Full Name: John Henry Sakowski Parents: Henry and Mary Sakowski Major: Chemistry (Pre-Med) Siblings: Jude, Maria and Michael
Birthplace: Omaha, Neb.
2017 (Redshirt Freshman) • Sakowski made his first appearance as a Bluejay on Feb. 18 at UAB, retiring the only batter he faced on one pitch. • He went to the bump 10 times as freshman, highlighted by a 2.1 inning outing at Abilene Christian on March 4. • John closed the season with a 4.00 ERA over nine innings. He recorded nine strikeouts and issued three walks.
2016 (Freshman) • John used his redshirt option during the 2016 season.
2011-15 (Creighton Prep High School) • John graduated from Creighton Prep in the spring of 2015, leading the Junior Jays Legion team to the Legion World Se- ries. • He earned letters in his final two seasons at Creighton Prep. • As a senior he was selected All-Nebraska Honorable Mention by the Omaha World-Herald.
Sakowski’s Career Pitching Statistics - All Games Year W-L ERA APP GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR OppBA WP HBP BK 2017 0-0 4.00 10 0 0 0 0 9.0 11 4 4 3 9 1 0 1 .314 0 0 2 Total 0-0 4.00 10 0 0 0 0 9.0 11 4 4 3 9 1 0 1 .314 0 0 2
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 29 Sophomore Parker Upton
6 • Parker Upton
So. • OF • 6-0 • 180 • S/R Grand Island, Neb. (Grand Island HS)
Full Name: Parker Allan Upton Parents: Pete and Nicolle Upton Major: Chemistry
Birthplace: Grand Island, Neb.
2017 (Freshman) • Held out of action until the middle of March as he recovered from hip surgery, Upton appeared in 33 games during his first year as a Bluejay. • Parker was primarily used as Creighton’s DH in 2017, leading the team with a .312 average on 29 hits. • Upton closed the season with seven multi-hit games, collecting two hits in each of those contests.
2012-16 (Grand Island High School) • Upton graduated from Grand Island HS in the spring of 2016, where he earned four letters in baseball. • Parker closed his senior campaign hitting .390 in 29 games. He delivered 32 hits and scored 31 runs, while knocking in 18. Following the 2016 season Upton earned State Second Team from the Lincoln Journal Star. • A Lincoln Journal Star Super State First Team selection as a junior, Upton hit .375 with 24 RBI for Grand Island High School. On the bump he was equally impressive, posting a 0.98 ERA with two saves and a 3-0 record. • During the summer of 2015, Upton was a Perfect Game All-America Honorable Mention selection.
Upton’s Career Hitting Statistics - All Games Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD% 2017 .312 33-27 93 18 29 3 2 0 8 .387 13 4 22 4 .414 1 2 5-5 2 0 0 1.000 Total .312 33-27 93 18 29 3 2 0 8 .387 13 4 22 4 .414 1 2 5-5 2 0 0 1.000
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 30 Gradauate Transfer Preston Church & Junior Jack Strunc 27 • Preston Church
Sr. • LHP • 6-3 • 210 • L/L Ogden, Iowa (Ogden HS/Western Illinois)
Full Name: Preston Scott Church Birthplace: Ogden, Iowa Parents: Gina and Scott Church Major: Business (Western Illinois) Siblings: Carter and Reagan Graduate: Organizational Leadership
2014-17 (Western Illinois) • Church completed his undergraduate degree at Western Illinois. • During his tenure with the Leathernecks, Preston appeared in 51 games. • Preston was an All-Summit League Second Team selection in 2017. • He started 32 games, posting a 6-16 record with a 4.76 ERA. • Church recorded 173 strikeouts in 193 combined innings and limited opponents to a .237 batting average.
2010-13 (Ogden High School) • A four-year letterwinner for the Bulldogs, Church was a First Team All-State selection as a senior. • He posted 137 strikeouts in 62.2 innings as a senior, with a stellar 0.90 ERA. • Preston ended his high school career with a 25-5 mark on the mound for Ogden HS, including over 300 strikeouts.
Church’s Western Illinois Pitching Statistics - All Games Year W-L ERA APP GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR OppBA WP HBP BK 2014 1-2 8.89 15 5 0 0 0 28.1 30 29 28 24 29 7 0 4 .270 5 4 0 2015 2-7 3.93 18 11 0 0 0 73.1 68 38 32 50 71 10 2 3 .244 8 5 2 2016 0-2 4.88 5 5 0 0 0 27.2 22 19 15 14 21 5 1 2 .208 5 1 0 2017 3-5 3.82 13 11 1 0 0 63.2 54 28 27 33 52 7 3 8 .228 3 3 5 Total 6-16 4.76 51 32 1 0 0 193.0 174 114 102 121 173 29 6 17 .237 21 13 7
2 • Jack Strunc
Jr. • INF • 6-0 • 190 • R/R Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Mountain Vista HS/Washington State)
Full Name: John Robert Strunc Birthplace: Littleton, Colo. Parents: Krista and Jim Strunc Major: Finance Siblings: Nick and Tommy (Creighton ’15)
2017 (Junior) • Jack sat out the 2017 season due to NCAA transfer regulations.
2015-16 (Washington State) • A two-year starting shortstop for the Cougars, Strunc appeared in 103 games in two seasons with Washington State. • Strunc’s greatest asset for the Cougars was his defensive skill, Jack committed just 15 errors in two seasons with Washington State.
2011-14 (Mountain Vista High School) • A three-time letterwinner in baseball, Jack was named First Team All-Continental League as a senior. • Strunc played in the Centennial/Continental All-Star game and helped the Golden Eagles reach the 5A Colorado state semifinal round in 2014. • He graduated with a 4.06 GPA and was a member of both the National Honors Society and DECA.
Strunc’s Washington State Hitting Statistics - All Games Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD% 2015 .245 54-53 163 25 40 7 0 1 12 .307 8 3 27 3 .293 0 7 5-7 67 139 9 .958 2016 .206 49-44 165 20 34 4 1 0 16 .242 6 2 37 6 .240 2 10 4-6 86 149 6 .975 Total .226 103-97 328 45 74 11 1 1 28 .274 14 5 64 9 .266 2 17 9-13 153 288 15 .967
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 31 Transfers
44 • Elijah Hill 5 • Jordan Hovey Jr. • INF Jr. • RHP 6-2 • 190 • L/R 6-3 • 205 • R/R Edwardsville, Ill. Olympia, Wash. (Edwardsville HS/Missouri State/ (Tumwater HS/Bellevue College) Jefferson College)
2016-17 (Bellevue College) 2017 (Jefferson College) • Elijah appeared in 20 games on the mound for the Bulldogs, including 18 starts • Jordan saw action in 56 games for the Vikings last season, closing the season over two seasons. with a .335 average. • He posted a combined 9-5 record, highlighted by an 8-3 mark and • Hovey knocked out 25 extra base hits, including 13 doubles and nine home a 3.20 ERA in 2017. runs in 2017. He finished the season with 55 RBI. • The right-hander notched 91 strikeouts in a combined 99 innings at Bellevue. 2016 (Missouri State) 2010-13 (Tumwater High School) • As a freshman at Missouri State, Hovey saw the field in 22 games. He earned • Hill earned a combined eight letters in baseball (four) and football (four) while the start in nine contests. attending Tumwater HS. • Jordan closed the season hitting .250 with eight runs scored. • A First Team All-State selection in 2013, Elijah went 6-2 with a 1.17 ERA. He closed his senior campaign with 69 strikeouts in 53 innings. 2012-15 (Edwardsville High School) • Elijah was also an accomplished kicker, leaving the Thunderbirds with school • A three-time letterwinner in baseball for the Tigers, Jordan was named an records for PATs and FGs in a season and a career. He also held the mark for All-American in 2015. During his senior campaign, Hovey hit .382 with 32 RBI punting average in a season and career when he graduated. and 25 extra base hits in 37 contests. • Played in the Illinois All-Star Game following his senior season.
Full Name: Elijah Lane Hill Full Name: Jordan Thomas Hovey Major: Finance Major: Sociology Birthplace: Olympia, Wash. Birthplace: Edwardsville, Ill. Parents: Wendi and Clay Hill Parents: Jamie and James Hovey Siblings: Alexis, Savanna, Mariah Sibling: Vanessa
10 • Denson Hull 17 • Evan Johnson Jr. • LHP Jr. • RHP 6-1 • 190 • L/L 6-0 • 170 • R/R San Antonio, Texas Lee’s Summit, Mo. (Churchill HS/Incarnate Word/ (Gilbert HS/Iowa Central CC) Temple College)
2017 (Temple College) 2016-17 (Iowa Central Community College) • As a Leopard, Hull started all 13 games he appeared in. He closed his • Evan appeared in 27 games, including five starts in his freshman season. sophomore campaign, 5-4 with a 3.99 ERA in 58.2 innings. • He wrapped up his career with the Tritons with a 7-4 record. • Denson posted 55 strikeouts and just 29 walks in 2017. • Johnson recorded 61 strikouts in 60.1 combined innings.
2016 (Incarnate Word) 2012-15 (Gilbert High School) • Denson appeared in 17 games, all out of the pen, for the Cardinals as a • Johnson earned four letters in baseball with the Tigers, collecting All-State freshman. He tossed 26.2 innings, recording 17 strikeouts. Honorable Mention as a senior.
2012-15 (Churchill High School) • Hull collected five letters as a Charger, earning three in baseball and one each in football as well as basketball. • A First Team All-6A Pitcher as a junior and senior, Denson also claimed team MVP honors as a senior. • In the classroom, Hull graduated cum laude.
Full Name: Denson James Hull Full Name: Evan Alan Johnson Major: Criminal Justice Major: Graphic Design Birthplace: Missouri City, Texas Birthplace: Ames, Iowa Parents: Lisa and Stephen Parents: Jacy and Kurt Johnson Sibling: Olivia Sibling: Eastan
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 32 Transfers
32 • Bobby Kametas 8 • Ryan Mantle Jr. • INF Jr. • RHP 5-10 • 200 • R/R 6-0 • 190 • R/R Linn, Mo. Oak Lawn, Ill. (Linn HS/Missouri State/ (Oak Lawn HS/St. Joseph’s College) Jefferson College)
2014-2017 (St. Joseph’s College) 2017 (Jefferson College) • Kametas did not pitch during the 2015-16 season due to an injury and he is • Ryan hit the diamond in 48 games for the Vikings last season, posting a planning to pursue a medical redshirt for the 2017 season. .370 average. • During his time as a Puma, Bobby appeared in 36 games. Each appearance was • Mantle finished the season with 44 RBI, smashing 11 home runs and out of the bullpen, tossing a combined 46.1 innings. 16 doubles. • He had a combined 5-4 record with 56 strikeouts and a combined 3.69 ERA. • Left St. Joseph’s as the record holder for strikeouts per nine with 10.9. 2016 (Missouri State) • As a freshman at Missouri State, Mantle saw action in 26 games at the plate. 2010-13 (Oak Lawn High School) He started 10 contests, posting a .143 average. Ryan also made nine appear- • A Second Team All-State selection as a senior, Bobby was a two-time MVP for ances on the mound, recording 14 strikeouts in 12.0 innings. the Spartans. 2012-15 (Linn High School) • A four-time letterwinner in baseball for the Wildcats, Ryan was the Show-Me Conference Player of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons. • A two-time All-State selection, Ryan also played in the Senior All-Star game.
Full Name: Robert Dominick Kametas Full Name: Ryan Scott Mantle Major: Business Administration/Leadership Major: Finance Birthplace: Oak Lawn, Ill. Birthplace: Linn, Mo. Parents: Jeanette and Nick Kametas Parents: Peggy and Sam Mantle Siblings: Eleni, Jim, and Nikki Siblings: None
22 • Mitch Ragan 33 • Ryan Connolly
Jr. • RHP So. • LHP 6-3 • 215 • R/R 6-5 • 215 • L/L Omaha, Neb. Castle Rock, Colo. (Millard West HS/Wayne State/ (Douglas County HS/Nebraska/ Iowa Western CC) Iowa Western CC)
2017 (Iowa Western Community College) 2017 (Iowa Western Community College) • Ragan tossed 25.1 innings as a Reiver, compiling a 3-0 record and a 1.69 ERA, • Connolly appeared in 10 games for the Reivers last season, including four with 42 strikeouts. starts. • He tossed 24.2 innings, notching 22 strikeouts. 2016 (Wayne State) • Pitched in 10 games with nine starts posting a 3-3 record with a 5.80 ERA 2016 (Nebraska) as a freshman. • Ryan used his redshirt option during the 2016 season with the Huskers. • Tossed one complete game and one shutout while leading the team in innings pitched (49.2) and strikeouts (51). 2012-15 (Douglas County High School) • Connolly earned three letters on the diamond, earning All-State Honorable 2012-15 (Millard West High School) Mention as a junior and senior. • A five-time letterwinner in baseball (three), football and basketball for the • Ryan pitched in the Area Code Games as a junior, then pitched in the Colorado Wildcats, Mitch helped Millard West HS to 22-12 record and fourth place Futures Game during his senior season. finish at the Class A State Baseball Tournament in 2015.
Full Name: Mitch Preston Ragan Full Name: Ryan Daniel Connolly Major: Business Major: Business Birthplace: Omaha, Neb. Birthplace: Walnut Creek, Calif. Parents: Shelly and Scott Ragan Parents: Nancy and Dan Connolly Sibling: Nick Sibling: Hannah
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 33 Transfers
41 • Jonah Smith 29 • Jacob Voss So. • RHP So. • RHP 6-2 • 185 • R/R 6-9 • 265 • R/R Austin, Texas Linn, Mo. (McCallum HS/ (Linn HS/Jefferson College) Abilene Christian)
2017 (Abilene Christian University) 2017 (Jefferson College) • Smith appeared in 20 games for ACU last season, including coming out of the • Voss appeared in 16 games for Jefferson as a freshman, tossing 17.1 innings. pen to face the Bluejays twice during Creighton’s trip to Texas. • The right-hander notched 37 strikeouts in his time on the bump. • Jonah closed the season with a 3.76 ERA in 40.2 innings, recording a 1-3 • Jacob closed the season with a 3.12 ERA. record and picking up one save. 2013-16 (Linn High School) 2013-16 (McCallum High School) • An all-around athlete, Voss earned a combined eight letters with the Wildcats • A three-time letterwinner in baseball for the Knights, Jonah finished his career in baseball (three), cross country (three) and basketball (two). with a record of 12-0, a minuscule 0.89 ERA in seven starts on the bump and • Voss was more of a hitter in high school, moving onto the mound in his final hit .403 as a senior. two seasons at Linn HS. • As a senior he was a First Team All-District selection at both pitcher and shortstop, and was also selected to the Central Texas All-Star Game. • He was selected to Perfect Game All-Region in spring of senior season.
Full Name: Jonah Michael Smith Full Name: Jacob Samuel Voss Major: Marketing Major: Finance/Business Birthplace: Austin, Texas Birthplace: Jefferson City, Mo. Parents: Jennifer and Jon Smith Parents: Lavia and Bill Voss Sibling: Julia Kay Siblings: Shelby and Drew
26 • Justin Wick 31 Thomas Swafford R-Fr. • LHP So. • LHP 5-11 • 195 • L/L 6-3 • 185 • L/L Franklin, Tenn. Parker, Colo. (Brentwood Academy/ (Legend HS/South Mountain CC) Abilene Christian)
2016-17 (South Mountain Community College) 2017 (Abilene Christian) • Wick saw action in 14 games during 2016, but was unable to pitch due to an • Swafford used his redshirt option during the 2017 season. injury last season. As a result, Wick redshirted the 2017 season. • Justin tossed 42.1 innings as a freshman, recording 33 strikeouts with a 3-5 2013-2016 (Brentwood Academy) record and a 5.95 ERA. • Swafford is the lone member of the Bluejays to earn a letter as a swimmer in addition to four on the diamond and three on the grid iron. 2012-15 (Linn High School) • During his senior campaign, Thomas posted a 7-2 record, helping him to earn • Wick collected letters in his final two seasons with the Titans, tossing a the #11 LHP ranking in Tennessee. combined 42.2 innings. • Swafford tossed a complete game no-hitter at the Perfect Game World Series • As a senior, Justin notched 36 strikeouts in 30.2 innings. He went on to collect as a senior. All-Continental League Honorable Mention.
Full Name: Justin Daniel Wick Full Name: Thomas Alexander Swafford Major: Journalism Major: International Relations Birthplace: Logan, Utah Birthplace: Chattanooga, Tenn. Parents: Kelley and David Wick Parents: Tara and Tony Swafford Sibling: Steven Siblings: Tyler and Travis
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 34 Freshmen
11 • Jackson Berney 36 • Max Clark Fr. • RHP Fr. • INF/OF 6-2 • 200 • R/R 6-4 • 200 • S/R Winter Park, Fla. Holdrege, Neb. (Lake Highland Prep/ (Holdrege HS) Winter Park HS)
2014-17 (Holdrege High School) 2017 (Winter Park High School) • Berney collected nine letters as a Duster, but none were in baseball as the • Max transferred to Winter Park HS prior to his senior season, earning one school did not offer the sport. Instead he grabbed four in basketball, three in letter as a Wildcat. track and two in football. • Despite not playing for his high school, Jackson played plenty of baseball in 2014-16 (Lake Highland Prep) the fall for the Central Nebraska Stars and in the Summer for the Nebraska • Clark collected two letters as a Highlander, tossing five innings as a junior. Sluggers. • He closed 2016 with a 1.40 ERA and 11 strikeouts.
Full Name: Jackson Charles Berney Full Name: Maxwell Kelly Clark Major: Undeclared Major: Business Birthplace: Omaha, Neb. Birthplace: Winter Park, Fla. Parents: Jenni and Jeff Berney Parents: Kristen and Craig Clark Siblings: Alexa and Brooklyn Sibling: Shelby
34 • Ian Evans 20 • Garrett Gilbert
Fr. • RHP Fr. • C 6-3 • 180 • R/R 6-1 • 185 • R/R Cape Coral, Fla. Trevor, Wis. (Evangelical Christian HS) (Westosha Central HS)
2014-17 (Evangelical Christian High School) 2017 (Westosha High School) • Evans collected four letters in baseball for the Sentinels. • A three-year letterwinner in baseball, Gilbert closed his senior season with • During his tenure with Evangelical Christian, Ian hit over .300 as a freshman, a .397 average. The total helped Garrett claim All-State Honorable Mention sophomore and senior. as well as a place in the Wisconsin All-Star Game. • The righty tossed 52.2 innings as senior, posting a 1.73 ERA and a 6-4 record. • As a junior, Gilbert hit .398 with 33 hits and 25 RBI in 26 contests. • In addition Clark recorded 71 strikeouts in his final season. • As a sophomore those numbers were even better as he hit .411 over 20 games.
Full Name: Ian Sean Evans Full Name: Garrett Gilbert Major: Political Science Major: Marketing Birthplace: Gainesville, Fla. Birthplace: Appleton, Wis. Parents: Melissa and Adam Evans Parents: Denise and Phil Gilbert Sibling: Ryan Sibling: Marshall
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 35 Freshmen
3 Andrew Meggs 30 Nate Shoemaker
Fr. • INF Fr. • RHP 5-11 • 170 • R/R 6-3 • 195 • R/R San Jose, Calif. Minnetonka, Minn. (Leland HS) (Minnetonka HS)
2017 (Leland High School) 2014-17 (Minnetonka High School) • Meggs claimed three letters in baseball, playing a total of 87 games for the • Shoemaker collected three letters in baseball for the Skippers. Chargers. • He also nabbed three letters in football and two more on the hardwood. • Posted a .481 average as a senior, with 39 hits in 27 games. • Nate brings a power arm and is the 34th ranked player in Minnesota. • Andrew earned a slot on the All-State Second Team with his production at the • Shoemaker graduated with a 4.0 GPA and earned All-State Academic honors dish as well as 16.1 innings on the mound with a 2.57 ERA. in baseball. • Baseball runs deep in the Meggs family as his uncle Lindsay Meggs in the head coach at the University of Washington. In addition, Andrew has a cousin that played for the Huskies (Jack Meggs, 2014-17) and another that played at Kansas (Matt McLaughlin, 2015-17).
Full Name: Andrew Paul Meggs Full Name: Nathan Daniel Shoemaker Major: Marketing Major: Undeclared Birthplace: San Jose, Calif. Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minn. Parents: Sally and Scott Meggs Parents: Alison Lang and Dave Shoemaker Siblings: Ashley, Kyle and Kevin Siblings: Erin and Anna
16 Evan Spry
Fr. • INF 6-1 • 190 • L/R Janesville, Wis. (Janesville Craig HS)
2014-17 (Janesville Craig High School) • A four-year letterwinner in baseball, Spry capped his Cougar career by hitting .407 as a senior. • Spry collected 83 RBI in his high school career, led by 33 as a junior. • A speedster, Evan set the Janesville Craig record with eight career triples. • An All-State Second Team selection as a senior, Evan also played in the WBCA All-Star game.
Full Name: Evan James Spry Major: Exercise Science Birthplace: Janesville, Wis. Parents: Denise and Craig Spry Sibling: Maddie
2018 Creighton Baseball Media Guide • Page 36