McMurry University and Walt Driggers Field have been selected by the NCAA Division III Baseball Committee to play host to the 2008 West Region Tournament May 14-18.
The selection marks the third time since McMurry joined the NCAA that the baseball program has played host to a regional. In 1998 and in 2001 McMurry was awarded the tournament after winning the American Southwest Conference title in each season.
Chapman University in Orange, Calif. has been the site of the past four West Region Tournaments, which has forced several Texas teams to fly to the west coast. McMurry’s chance to host could be a welcome alternative as representatives from Texas have been a part of all four of those regional tournaments including three teams from a year ago – two ASC members (Texas Lutheran and Texas-Dallas).
McMurry’s last appearance in a region championship tournament was in 2004 and it was the last time McMurry won the ASC Championship. Regardless of whether or not McMurry’s team plays in the tournament, the university will play host, and the selection is largely due to its great baseball facility.
“It is a tremendous honor for McMurry University to be selected as the host for the 2008 NCAA Division III Baseball Regional Tournament,” McMurry head baseball coach Lee Driggers said. “It will give us the opportunity to host some of the best Division III baseball teams in the country.
“It will also afford our Abilene and McMurry community the opportunity to welcome these teams and show the support we have not only for college baseball but the genuine hospitality we extend to those who visit. It also provides a little extra incentive to our players not only to host but to strive to be a participant in the tournament as well. We look forward to the event,” said Driggers.
Walt Driggers Field will see its 12th season of action in 2008 after McMurry head coach Lee Driggers’ uncle, Walt, helped make possible the facility after a generous donation.
The facility is located just east of McMurry's campus across the street from the Ryan Fine Arts Center. The field features a ground-level press box, a VIP lounge, two soundproof radio booths, indoor and outdoor batting cages, offices, training room and locker rooms for both staff and players.
The Abilene Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will be working in conjunction with McMurry to help make the tournament a welcoming experience and a successful event.
“The ACVB expects the tournament to generate over $165,000 in economic impact and more than 350 room nights,” ACVB Sports & Group Sales Director Debi Schultz said. “We will also be soliciting volunteers from the Sports Alliance to act as ‘Team Hosts.’ These hosts will welcome them at the airport, direct them to their hotel and any help with any other local information they might need.”
-Courtesy McMurry University Sports Information Department
2008 Regional Sites
Mid-Atlantic Regional: Hosted by Kean University at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, Newark, New Jersey.
Central Regional: Hosted by Augustana College at Brunner Field at Duane R. Stadium, Rock Island, Illinois.
Mideast Regional: Hosted by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology at Art Nehf Field, Terre Haute, Indiana.
New England Regional: Hosted by the ECAC at Whitehouse Field, Harwich, Mass.
New York Regional: Hosted by Ithaca College at Falcon Field/Auburn Double Days, Auburn, New York.
South Regional: Hosted by USA South Athletic Conference/ODAC at American Legion Memorial Post 325 Stadium-Dan Daniel Park, Danville, Virginia.
West Regional: Hosted by McMurry University at Walt Driggers Field, Abilene, Texas.
Midwest Regional: Hosted by UW-Oshkosh at E.J. Schneider Field, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.