Four years. 48 months. 1,460 days. Any way you look at it, it's a long time. That is how long a tight nit group of 5 seniors have been together on the CSU Bucs baseball squad. Alex Andronica, Justin Dahill, Seth Owens, Ryan Stoudemire, and myself are entering our fourth and final year on CSU's campus. There have been a lot of memories made, a lot of ups and down and some lifelong bonds created along the way. From basketball games in the quads to intense doubles matches on the ping pong table, these 5 have been through it together. I was lucky enough to sit down with them and capture some of their favorite moments and what they are looking forward to for the senior year.
 

What is your favorite memory at CSU?

Alex Andronica – There have been a lot of good memories. I definitely can't pick just one, so I'd say my top 3 are:

1. The walk off win against Georgia our sophomore year when Germ (Cole German) wore a heater in the back with the bases loaded.
2. Last year's senior day game. Jacky D (Jack DeLongchamps) and Petey (Josh Peters) went back to back in their last at bat's at home
3. Finally, our 9^th inning comeback against Radford in the 2019 Big South Conference Tournament which we went on to win in 13 innings

Justin Dahill – My favorite memory is definitely beating Georgia at home. We upset a SEC opponent and I recorded my first collegiate hit.

Seth Owens – Like Andro and Dahill, beating Georgia is my top memory at CSU. Defeating a SEC opponent at home like that was surreal.

Ryan Stoudemire – Like Andro, I can't narrow it down to just one. My top three would be:

1. Walking it off against Georgia at home.
2. Personally, when I struck out the side at Clemson with the bases loaded freshman year.
3. Beating Radford in extra innings in the conference tournament last year.

 
Jaret Bennett – I too have a long list of memories. If I had to narrow it down to one, I don't think I've ever been more excited then when Jack (Jack DeLongchamps) and Peters (Josh Peters) hit homeruns in their final at bats on senior day.
 

Why did you initially choose CSU? What has been the best part of CSU for you?

AA – I wanted to play baseball at the division 1 level. Had a couple other options that were closer to home, however I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and play in a new atmosphere. You can't beat a location like Charleston. The relationships I've made with the guys on this team are special. The guys on this team are my family and I would do anything for them.

JD - Others left on unfortunate circumstances and sometimes it's just not the right fit. The relationships I have built here are a big part in why I want to be at CSU and I have always felt I have had a chance to help this program win.

SO - Charleston Southern gave me an opportunity where many schools choose not to or could not provide. I have been given a tremendous opportunity to play division 1 baseball while getting a top-tier education within my home state. Although these factors drew me to CSU, the sense of community both on the team and in the school is what kept me here and made me want to graduate from CSU.

RS - I felt as if this institution and coaching staff would fit me well to help me achieve my best abilities.  I am from a small town and felt like the smaller school atmosphere would fit me well.  Other guys from our class have moved on for differing reasons, but I always felt as if this program continued to give me the best opportunities to continue growing.

JB – I wanted to come south for warmer weather and fell in love with Charleston as an area. The relationships I have built here are lifelong. I consider these guys family especially us fourth year guys who have gone through a lot together. I have also always felt I have been given ample opportunities by CSU to continue to grow as a player and a person.
 

What is your plan upon graduation in May?

AA - Following graduation, if the next level of baseball does not workout, I could see myself moving back home, staying in Charleston or moving up to DC. I've done multiple summer internships in the DC area.

JD – I am weighing the option of playing more baseball or moving back home to join the work force.

SO - I plan on accepting a job offer at Cane Bay middle school and staying in Charleston. With any luck, I will also complete my master's in Education at Charleston Southern. I then hope to be able to teach and coach here in the Charleston area.

RS - That is a great question. I am currently weighing a number of different career options and I hope that God can make clear what the best career option for me will be.

JB – I am currently weighing a few options and routes to obtain my MBA.

What are your expectations for the season?

AA - The bar is set high for this team after making a run in the conference tourney last year. The expectation for this team is to win a Big South championship and move on from there. This team has a solid group of returners who lead by example. I believe leadership plays a huge role in any successful team, and I know this team has a handful of leaders. I also really like how a lot of the new guys have stepped up and continued to push the returners so far this fall.

JD - To be at the top of the conference. The goal is always to win a Big South Championship. I think the pieces we have this year put us in a good spot to win the conference and move on.

SO - This year although we have brought in many talented new faces, there is a veteran core of leadership on the team. We have high expectations for this team with such a heavy veteran core and are very optimistic about the new guys being able to step up and answer the call for this upcoming season.

RS - Much like every season, the end goal is to win the Big South and compete with the NCAA tournament.  We have a good nucleus of older guys mixed with a number of new faces that look to make contributions to our success.  We just have to continue working hard every day and let the chips fall as they may come springtime.

JB – To win the Big South Championship. Like the other guys have said, that is always the goal. I think we made a big step in the right direction last year and have added some pieces to put ourselves in a good spot to make a run this year.