Playing in the regional tournament, achieving 37 wins, becoming regular season champions and earning the Team Academic Excellence Award for the ninth year in a row were some of the many accolades boasted by the spring 2024 Bison baseball team. Several players earned All-American honors for their skills on the field, and the team earned a GPA of 3.36 in the classroom – the highest in program history. This team was more than guys who wanted to win; they were committed to the culture of baseball. Head baseball coach Dr. Patrick McGaha noticed this in his team. “It was really special just because of the culture that the group had,” McGaha said. “I mean, we were really family. The guys cared about each other. They were really committed, not to playing for themselves, but playing for the team.” The players noticed as well. Senior Davis Welch knew that the spring 2024 team stood out. “It just stemmed from the head down,” Welch said. “Everybody got their work in, and it was a special place and a special thing to be part of.” Senior Maddox Long echoed this sentiment. “Everybody wants everybody to be successful, and everybody is rooting for each other,” Long said. The players and coaches understood that their commitment to the group was what made them champions. From keeping lockers clean to giving 100% in workouts and practice, the team knew what needed to be done to create a program-altering season. “They understand that the champions do the little things right,” McGaha said. The historic season was about much more than victory. Players came together and raised the standard of what it meant to be a member of the Harding Bison baseball team. “If you’re in this just to win it, you’re missing a lot of key points,” Welch said. “It was more fun and fulfilling to win with the guys around me and lose with the guys around me than just win again because it’s another game.” The responsibility of teamwork was shared by coaches and players. Through their academic excellence and athletic performance, the program declared that being a Bison meant being accepted. “It doesn’t matter where you come from; we don’t care,” Welch said. “You’re part of the team now. You’re a Harding Bison. You’re one of us now.” The spring 2024 baseball season was greater than the game and bigger than the wins. They were champions but never lost sight of what was important. It was not about who could pitch the fastest or hit the ball the farthest; it was about establishing a culture that created champions. Written by Abby Davidson 215 Baseball
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