Jack Piatt
Daily Egyptian
The Salukis, coming off their best season in 10 years, can now say they are the best baseball team in the state of Illinois.
The SIU baseball team was ranked 74th in the RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) for the 2002 season, outranking every team in the Big Ten Conference and any Division I school in the state of Illinois.
There are 286 NCAA Division I schools listed in the RPI, and with SIU's ranking, it is clear the team is making progress.
The team ignored the pre-season coaches poll that had them in eighth place in the Missouri Valley Conference, and it went on to capture fourth. The Salukis finished this past season with an overall record of 32-24.
SIU placed 98th in strength of schedule, playing teams like Notre Dame, who participated in the 2002 College World Series. The Salukis played Notre Dame in the Ron Maestri/Privateer Classic Tournament in New Orleans and defeated the Fighting Irish 6-2. Notre Dame was ranked fourth in the nation at the time. The Salukis also defeated the University of Missouri in the tournament.
The Salukis claimed at least one win against MVC and regular season champions Wichita State (21st RPI), Southwest Missouri State (30th RPI) and Creighton (64th RPI), the runner up in the MVC.
SIU head coach Dan Callahan said it is important to do well in the RPI because SIU goes head-to-head with the Big Ten schools when it comes to recruiting. The ranking helps show prospective players that SIU has a competitive baseball program.
The team's progress can be attributed to the play of Jeff Stanek and Luke Nelson, who were both selected in the Major League Baseball Draft earlier this month, and the recruitment of players such as P.J. Finigan, Ryan Welch and Eric Haberer.
"It is good to finally receive this kind of recognition for the baseball program," Finigan said.
SIU baseball has many things to look forward to as the team gears up for next season. With a fresh group of new talent and only two key players gone, the Salukis have the opportunity to make a big statement in the season to come.
Callahan attributes much of the success and progress of the team to recruiting efforts. He spends a large amount of his off-season duties going to tournaments and recruiting new talent.
Callahan is pleased with the teams RPI rating and with the players' efforts this past season.
"It is a testament to how hard the guys worked and how hard they played," Callahan said.
Reporter Jack Piatt can be reached at jpiatt@dailyegyptian.com
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
