CF homecoming event today at 3pm for National Championship Patriots

The CF Patriots defeated Wabash Valley College Saturday night, May 3, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to win the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 National Championship. Photo by Todd Bennett.

The College of Central Florida will celebrate its national championship baseball team at 3 p.m. today, June 5, in the Patriot Café in the Bryant Student Union, Building 5 on the Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. The public is welcome to attend.

The CF Patriots defeated Wabash Valley College Saturday night, May 3, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to win the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 National Championship, the first national baseball title in CF’s history. The team overcame a loss to Weatherford College on Monday and finished the tournament with four consecutive victories to claim the title. The 19-12 win on Thursday night was the longest game in JUCO World Series history at 5 hours and 19 minutes, according to the CF news release.

“We are proud of our student-athletes who demonstrated teamwork and perseverance to bring the title home,” said Jim Henningsen, CF president, in the release. “Special thanks to Coach Marty Smith, his coaching and support staff and our student-athletes for capping off an amazing season with a national championship. This team exemplified true grit on and off the field.”

The Patriots finished the season with a 56-7 record, the best in school history. Juan Correa, Brian Holiday, John Marant and Cam Schuelke were named to the All-Tournament Team. Correa was named MVP, Holiday was named Outstanding Pitcher, and Coach Smith was named Coach of the Tournament, the release stated.

“Special congratulations to our nine graduating student-athletes,” said Saul Reyes, vice president, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, in the release. “Thank you for choosing CF for your education and athletic career. We wish you well and we look forward to cheering your accomplishments at the next level.”

For information about the CF Baseball team, visit CFPatriots.net. To learn more about CF visit CF.edu.