Baseball Team Wins State Championship

The win not only showcased the Cougars' dedication to excellence and teamwork, but also the players' ability to focus and execute with precision over time, said Head Baseball Coach Andrew Slater - who himself was a Cougar baseball player on the 1996 championship team coached by retired Collegiate athletics director Charlie McFall.

"Our team has won a lot over the past 2 1/2 years...52-10 to be exact, since the second half of the 2014 season," Coach Slater said. "So this was not a deal where we got "hot" down the stretch. Winning was a byproduct of talent, but also great competitive spirit, mental toughness, resiliency, belief and a sheer will to win. Our wins were a culmination of a long and consistent process of working hard and competing everyday."

Collegiate Athletic Director Karen Doxey agreed.

"What I loved about this team, and actually last year's team as well, is the sustained level of focus and commitment to the process of getting better each day," said Coach Doxey. "They also practiced and played as a team and did all the little things that allow you to win championships. We are so proud of this team and coaching staff!"

Slater thanked assistant coaches Aaron Fulk, Andy Harrison and Adam Taylor, and gave kudos to the team and its roster of 21 players for setting a Collegiate record by garnering 22 wins.

"In my estimation, this is the best team in school history."

For more information about the Collegiate baseball team and the championship game, read coverage in the Richmond Times-Dispatch here.

Congrats, Cougars!