Temple University Athletics
Temple Named Team On The Rise By Rivals.com
2.10.09 | Baseball
Feb. 10, 2009
Rivals.com Atlantic 10 Preview
PHILADELPHIA - The Temple baseball team was named the Atlantic 10's "Team on the Rise" by Rivals.com in the league's preview, released by national writer Kendall Rogers today. The Owls were picked to finish sixth in the conference by Rivals and Baseball America while sophomore OF Byron McKoy was named preseason all-conference by both publications.
"When coach Rob Valli took over Temple's program it almost seemed like a hopeless proposition, but don't tell that to the fourth-year coach. After guiding the Owls to an overall record of 12-41 in '06, Valli didn't hesitate to turn the ship around sooner rather than later. The Owls finished the '07 season with an overall record of 18-37 and showed some improvement. Last season, meanwhile, the Owls reached the conference tournament for the first time in six seasons and finished the year with a respectable 16-11 conference record. The Owls could be even more improved this season. Give Valli some credit for at least changing the program's attitude," Rogers wrote.
The Owls have been picked to finish sixth in three preseason polls - Rivals, Baseball America and the Atlantic 10 coaches. Collegiate Baseball has the Cherry and White finishing fourth. The top six teams in the league qualify for the A-10 Tournament at Fifth Third Field in Dayton, OH.
McKoy, a second team All-Atlantic 10 selection at DH, led the Owls in batting (.352), slugging (.511), and on-base percentage (.422). He was second on the team with 11 doubles, six home runs and 17 stolen bases. His 64 hits set a new Temple freshman record, previously held by former major leaguer John Marzano, who had 57 hits as a freshman in 1982.
Rogers also mentioned freshman LHP Dan Moller as an impact newcomer to watch. A Schnecksville, PA native (Parkland HS), Moller compiled a 7-0 record with a 1.26 ERA as a high school senior.
Temple opens its season on Friday, Feb. 20 vs. Wichita State in the Florida Gulf Coast Invitational. First pitch is set for 1 PM.
