MUS Sports News

Diamond Owls Begin Preseason Practice

MUS Baseball began preseason practices Monday, February 11, in preparation for the 2008 season that opens March 13 against White Station High School at 7:00 p.m. in the Metro Invitational Tournament.

Head Coach Marc MacMillan ‘92 is excited about the start of preseason practice.

“This time of year brings great anticipation and excitement as both coaches and players are ready for the start of the preseason. The players have put their time in physical development improving their overall strength and athleticism, and it’s time to get on the field.”

The Diamond Owls graduated seven seniors from 2007, so this-year’s roster fields a much younger squad. With such youth, preseason becomes an important time for the Diamond Owls.

“With only two seniors, this is our youngest ball club since 2001 despite the fact that we have ten more players participating than our ’01 squad. Therefore, the preseason is very important due to both our youth and the fact that we return only three players who started every game last year, “ explains Coach MacMillan.

“The coaching staff and I must use this time to continue to evaluate each player in order to determine varsity and JV rosters, so we anticipate a highly competitive spirit in our practices as we look to fill positions.”

The Diamond Owls preseason and regular-season schedules are available on the MUS Baseball website.

Wright Recognized As Preseason All-American

Blair Wright, senior right-handed pitcher, has been named a Louisville Slugger Second Team Preseason All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, the second consecutive year a Diamond Owl has received All-American recognition.  He was also selected as one of forty-one "Players to Watch" across Tennessee.

Wright's performance in 2007 was recognized by both state and metro coaches with his selection to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association's Division II All-State Team, Division II West Tennessee Region All-Conference Team, Division II West Tennessee Regional All-Tournament Team, Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association's All-Region Team, and the Commercial Appeal "Private" All-Metro Team.

During the summer, Blair played for Dulins Dodgers, which won the B.E.S.T. World Championships, and he participated with the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association's Team Tennessee at the Junior Sunbelt Series in McAlester, Oklahoma, one of the premier tournaments in the country,

Last November, Wright committed to Ole Miss during the early signing period.

Wright Commits To Ole Miss

Senior Blair Wright committed Thursday to play baseball for the University of Mississippi. The senior right-handed pitcher is the third Diamond Owl in three years to become a Rebel.

Wright, a 5’11”, 200-pound pitcher, was a Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State selection in 2007 with an overall record of 7-3 in 72.33 innings pitched, including 88 strikeouts and 1.75 ERA. 

Wright’s performance received not only state but also local recognition with his selection to the Division II West Tennessee Regional All-Conference Team, Division II West Tennessee Regional All-Tournament Team, Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association All-Region Team, and The Commercial Appeal All-Metro Team in the private school division. Wright also played for the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association’s Team Tennessee at the Junior Sunbelt Series in McAlester, Oklahoma, and for Dulins Dodgers, the 2007 B.E.S.T World Champions.

Following his commitment, Blair voiced his enthusiasm.

“I’ve always wanted to play college baseball,” he said.

“The opportunity to play at the school that I have grown up rooting for and that has a chance to go to the College World Series year in and year out is awesome.”

Coach Marc MacMillan ’92 understands what a special place Ole Miss is to Wright and his family. Blair’s father, Jeff Wright, graduated from Ole Miss in 1978, and supporting the Rebels has been a family affair.

“I am very excited for Blair and his family,” Coach MacMillan says.

“For Blair to be able to play on the collegiate level at the school that means so much to him and his family is pretty extraordinary. He has worked hard for this opportunity and looks forward to being a Rebel. Ole Miss will provide Blair the opportunity to compete for championships on a yearly basis as well as to continue his excellence in the classroom, so I think it's a perfect fit.”

Baseball Announces 2008 Schedule

With a thirty-two member squad led by seniors Patrick Boyer and Blair Wright, the Diamond Owls will open their season co-hosting the Metro Invitational as Head Coach Marc MacMillan ’92 announced the 2008 schedule today featuring ten home games, the USA Classic, and a trip to Atlanta, Georgia. 

"I am excited that we are able to continue to put together a competitive schedule with such high-quality programs," said Coach MacMillan, who is entering his ninth season as the Owls' head coach.

"Our division play will introduce a new three-game series format totaling twelve games. This format is one that all the head coaches in the Division II-AA West Region favored, and while it increases the level of competition in what already is a very competitive region, it also provides a new excitement to Division II baseball. Our non-regional games will continue to offer challenging tests for our players to grow as well as improve their individual skills and team spirit throughout the year.”

The season opener against White Station High School will be played on March 13 at Thorn Field at 7:00 p.m. The Diamond Owls will also play Cordova High School and Evangelical Christian School (ECS) in the Metro Invitational. 

Harding Academy will visit Thorn Field on March 17 followed by two games in the Lewis Harris Memorial Tournament against Grissom (GA) and Cordova.

Beginning March 25, the Diamond Owls open regional play with their first three-game series against ECS. ECS will host games one and three, and MUS will play at home on March 26.

MUS then will participate in the 16th-annual USA Classic, held April 2-5 at USA Stadium and CBHS. This year will be the third consecutive that Diamond Owls have competed in the classic. Last year, MUS finished fourth in this prestigious tournament. The USA Classic hosts a strong field of sixteen teams that include CBHS (2007 D-II State Champs), Hartselle (AL) High School (2007 5A Final 16), Houston High School (2007 3A State Semifinalist), Juan Diego (UT) High School (2007 3A Final Six), Dr. Michael Krop (FL) High School (2007 6A Final Eight), and Lexington Catholic (KY) High School (2007 3A 11th Region Finalist). MUS will open play against Dyersburg High School on April 2 at 5:15 p.m. at CBHS.

Following the USA Classic, MUS will visit Harding Academy and then travel to Atlanta, Georgia, for single games against Westminster School and Riverwood High School on April 11 and 12.

The Diamond Owls play their second regional series against Briarcrest the week of April 16 with a sandwich game at White Station High School on April 20 prior to their third regional series against St. Benedict, April 24-26. MUS will wrap up regional play against Christian Brothers High School April 30-May 1 with games one and three being played at Thorn Field.

“Each year brings about a new team. With twenty-eight freshmen and sophomores making up our thirty-two man roster, every game we play will be both a learning experience and challenge,” shared Coach MacMillan.

“If you love playing baseball, then this is a great schedule to play. It will test our players and require the ultimate team spirit.”

The Division II Sub-State Series will be played the weekend of May 17, and the State Tournament is set for May 20-23 in Murfreesboro, TN.

Diamond Owls Leave It On The Field

The 2007 Diamond Owls came into the season with high expectations after having posted the most successful season in school history the previous year. “The coaching staff and players want expectations to be high, and we were very confident coming into the 2007 season despite losing four All-State players due to graduation and transfer,” said Coach Marc MacMillan ’92.

The Diamond Owls jumped to a quick 4-1 start in the Metro Invitational. However, they lost four games by one run in the Scenic Classic in Chattanooga.

“The four losses were frustrating, but we were in every game we played. The mistakes that led to our losses were in areas in which we could improve,” stated Coach MacMillan. “Therefore, it was not time to hit the panic button as it was more important to make sure that our players learned through the process in order to be prepared for the next game.”

MUS responded positively, beating St. Benedict, 2-1, in extra innings; however, they would turn around and lose to St. Benedict later in the week. “As great as Tuesday’s win was, Thursday’s was just as disappointing,” remarked Coach MacMillan.

After having lost a home-and-home series with Germantown, the Diamond Owls would participate in the prestigious USA Classic for the second time in school history and finish in the top four. While the Owls went 2-2 in tournament play, it was a good showing for MUS and the program.

“We were coming into the USA Classic for only our second time and playing okay baseball. We were able to get two solid pitching performances from Blair Wright and Matt Williams as well as put some runs up early that allowed us to start the tournament at 2-0,” explained Coach MacMillan. “After a disappointing one-run loss the following game to Bolton, we didn’t respond very well in the third-place game against University School of Jackson. Therefore, we felt good about our overall placement but would have liked to close out the tournament on a more positive note.”

With an overall record of 8-10, the Diamond Owls stepped back into league play against ECS. After having won, 8-7, at home, the Owls were hopeful senior and Louisville Slugger Pre-Season All-American Michael Park would be able to return to the mound after having re-aggravated a previous injury. that occurred the first week of the season. Yet still not completely recovered, Park came in relief. The Owls got an excellent performance from Williams but came up short, 4-3.

“It was unfortunate Michael was not able to throw. Any time you have one of the best pitchers in the state on your roster, you feel as if you have a chance to win anytime he steps on the mound.”

After having picked up wins against White Station and Harding Academy, the Diamond Owls split games with Jackson Christian School. According to Coach MacMillan, “The second Jackson Christian game was a devastating blow to our team, as we not only played poorly but also lost Michael for the rest of the season. Our performance plus the realization of his injury took us all by surprise.”

After having been swept by CBHS, the Diamond Owls continued to play hard but came up short in following games against Arlington, Briarcrest, and Brentwood Academy.

“Following the Briarcrest and Brentwood games, it seemed as if the boys finally accepted the cards that we had been dealt, and they really picked up their energy and effort in preparation for the regional tournament,” said Coach MacMillan.

With a four-seed earned, it was now onto the West Tennessee Regional Tournament. The Diamond Owls opened up play against St. Benedict and avenged their previous loss with an 11-1 win. The win pitted MUS against CBHS in the winner’s bracket semifinals. In a game that went back and forth, the Diamond Owls came up short, 11-10. However, Coach MacMillan had nothing but praise for his team.

“I’ve been involved in many games, and this was one of the best games I have ever been a part of,” says MacMillan. “Luke Jensen pitched his heart out, and the boys played an outstanding game against a very good baseball team.”

The Owls bounced back with a hard-fought 7-4 win over FACS. With a state tournament bid on the line, the Diamond Owls faced divisional rival Briarcrest. In a game that saw the Owls get down early, they continued to press forward, led by Wright on the mound, and tied the game in the top of the seventh, 4-4. After both teams could not score in the eighth inning, Briarcrest was able to push a run across the plate in the bottom of the ninth, ending the Owls season. 

“I can’t say enough about how well this team responded to the words and work presented to them prior to the tournament in order to give them a chance to return to the Spring Fling. Blair Wright’s 16 innings pitched in four days signified the attitude and determination our players exhibited. It hurt not accomplishing our goals, but when your players leave it all on the field, it’s hard to be disappointed,” stated Coach MacMillan.

The Diamond Owls finished the season with an overall record of 16-20. While seniors Miles DeBardeleben, Jay Edwards, Jensen, Chase Moore, Park, Zach Scott, and Jeffrey Wright graduate, the Owls will work hard to return to the Spring Fling in 2008.

Diamond Owls Begin Practice on Monday

MUS Baseball will begin practice Monday in preparation for the 2007 season that opens March 14 with a doubleheader against Olive Branch and White Station High School in the Metro Invitational Tournament.

“Both the coaches and players are ready for the start of the preseason,” shared Head Coach Marc MacMillan ’92.

“Preparation for the 2007 season is a process that began with summer baseball, continued with our physical development program, and wrapped up with the Spring Fling Challenge. Now, it’s time to continue our preparation by getting back on the field.”

The Diamond Owls are coming off their most successful season in school history, finishing as Division II State Semifinalists in 2006. However, Coach MacMillan is aware that this-year’s team is different than his 2006 club.

“While we do have players returning from last-year’s squad, each year brings a different team as players graduate and new ones join the program,” explains Coach MacMillan.

“Therefore, I rely heavily on our seniors (Miles DeBardeleben, Jay Edwards, Luke Jensen, Chase Moore, Michael Park, Zach Scott, and Jeffrey Wright) to lead by example and continue to assist in developing this team’s identity.”

The Diamond Owls' preseason and regular-season schedules are available on the MUS Baseball website.

Park Earns Pre-Season All-American Honor

Michael Park, a senior RHP, has been named Second Team Pre-Season All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper and Louisville Slugger. Park was selected as an Honorable Mention Multi-Position Player by the same publication as part of the 2006 Louisville Slugger All-American Team.

After an historic 2006 season in which the Diamond Owls advanced to the Spring Fling, picked up the school’s first state-tournament win, and claimed its best finish in school history as State Semifinalists, Park was also selected as a P/UT player for the 2006 National High School Baseball Coaches Association's All District Team. He was recognized by both state and metro coaches per his selection to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association's D2 All-State Team, Tennessee Baseball Report D2/AAA All 2-Way Team, D2 West Tennessee Region All-Conference Team, D2 West Tennessee Regional All-Tournament Team, Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association's All-Region Team, Commercial Appeal's "Private" All-Metro Team, and one of five Commercial Appeal Best of Prep Finalists.

Over the summer, Park played for Dulins Dodgers and assisted them in winning the B.E.S.T. Championships as well as participated with the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association’s Team Tennessee at the Junior Sunbelt Series, one of the premier tournaments in the country, in McAlester, Oklahoma, finishing runner-up while earning selection to the All-Tournament Team.

Baseball Announces 2007 Schedule

With the Diamond Owls' coming off a year in which they won 22 games, finished runner-up in the West Tennessee Regional Tournament, and earned the school’s first State Semifinalist berth, Head Coach Marc MacMillan ’92 announced the 2007 schedule, which features 15 home games, the Metro Invitational Tournament (MIT), USA Classic, and 10 Division II league games. 

"I am excited about the competitive and high-quality programs on our schedule," said Coach MacMillan, who is entering his eighth season as the Owls' head coach. "Each year brings a new team and new challenges. Our division play will introduce a new format, home-and-home series within the same week, that should bring a fresh excitement to the games. Our non-divisional games will continue to offer challenging tests for our players to grow and improve throughout the year.”

The Diamond Owls will open their season with a double-header against Olive Branch High School and White Station High School on March 14 in the Metro Invitational Tournament, hosted by MUS and Christian Brothers High School (CBHS). The Owls will also play Arlington High School, Cordova High School, and St. Augustine (LA) High School as part of the MIT. 

The Scenic City Classic, hosted by McCallie School in Chattanooga, will begin March 22 and will run through March 24. The Diamond Owls open the 16-team tournament by playing Creek Wood High School. This will be only the second meeting between the two schools. The tournament field will also include Baylor School (2006 D2 State Champions), Evangelical Christian School (ECS), Father Ryan High School (2006 D2 State Qualifier), Farragut High School (2006 AAA State Champions), Riverdale High School (2006 AAA State Qualifier), and others. According to Coach MacMillan, "We are excited to return to Chattanooga for a third straight year. Chris Richardson at McCallie has put together another pool of outstanding competition.”

After having returned from Chattanooga, the Diamond Owls will play two games against divisional opponent St. Benedict at Auburndale followed by a non-district, home-and-home series versus Germantown High School on March 29-30.

The Diamond Owls then will participate in the 15th annual USA Classic, held April 4-7 at USA Stadium and CBHS. This will mark the second consecutive year MUS has competed in this prestigious tournament. As with the Scenic City Classic, the USA Classic hosts a strong field of 16 teams that include such schools as Bingham (UT) High School (2006 5A State Semifinalist), Briarcrest Christian School (2006 State Qualifier), CBHS (2006 D2 State Semifinalist), Collierville High School (2006 AAA State Semifinalist), ECS, Houston High School (2005 AAA State Champs), Pensacola (FL) Catholic High School  (2006 3A State Quarter Finalist), and University School of Jackson (2006 A State Runner-up).  MUS will open play against Carrollton (GA) High School (2006 3A Elite 8 Finalist).

"It feels good to be a part of this prestigious tournament for the second straight year and the competitive programs it continues to bring to Memphis and Millington," said Coach MacMillan.

Following the USA Classic, the Diamond Owls will step back into league play against ECS on April 10 and 12, and then head to Batesville, Arkansas, on April 13 for the first ever meeting with Batesville High School.

The Diamond Owls play their third divisional series against Harding on April 16-17, and then host Jackson Christian School on April 20-21. The final two weeks of the regular season include match-ups against CBHS (April 24 and 26) and Briarcrest (April 30 and May 1), along with sandwich games against Arlington and Ridgeway High School. The Owls wrap up the regular season by visiting Brentwood Academy on May 5.

“I believe this schedule provides our players with the necessary preparation for divisional, regional, and state play,” Coach MacMillan shared. “If you love playing quality competition on a weekly basis, then this is an exciting schedule to play.”

Park Signs With Ole Miss

Memphis University School Head Baseball Coach Marc MacMillan announced that senior Michael Park has signed to play baseball for the University of Mississippi. The senior’s ability to excel in multiple sports has been an integral part of the Owls’ success on both the baseball diamond and the football field as he led the 2006 Diamond Owls to the State semifinals and quarterbacked the 2005 State Championship football team.

"MUS will always be a place that allows someone to excel in more than one sport or activity,” said Bobby Alston, MUS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. “Michael has taken advantage of both his talent and the school's philosophy to maximize his contribution in both baseball and football. I have no doubt that he will continue to excel at Ole Miss as he has done at MUS."

Park, a 6’1”, 195-pound RHP/3B, has been a two-time All-State selection and was instrumental in the Diamond Owls earning the school’s first state-tournament win as he threw a complete game against Knoxville Webb as well as helping earn the second State-Tournament bid for the school. In the 2006 season, he posted a record of 10-1 in 62.67 total innings pitched, allowing only 44 hits and 14 earned runs while recording 92 strikeouts and 1.56 ERA. Offensively, Park hit .343 with 31 RBIs and 31 runs scored.

Park's performance last year was recognized nationally with his selection as an Honorable Mention Multi-Position Player for the 2006 Louisville Slugger All-American Team and as a P/UT player for the 2006 National High School Baseball Coaches Association's All District Team. Both state and metro coaches selected him to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association's D2 All-State Team, D2/AAA Tennessee Baseball Report All 2-Way Team, D2 West Tennessee Region All-Conference Team, D2 West Tennessee Regional All-Tournament Team, Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association's All-Region Team, Commercial Appeal "Private" All-Metro Team, and one of five Best of Prep Finalists.

Following a formal signing Wednesday morning, Michael voiced his enthusiasm.

“Ole Miss is where I’ve always wanted to go,” he said. “They’ve been really successful for the past few years, and I am impressed with the players, coaches, and the facilities. It seems like a great fit.”

Coach MacMillan understands what a special place Ole Miss is to Michael and the Park family. Michael will be joining his brother, Rob, MUS Class of 2005, a punter on the Ole Miss football team. Michael’s father, Dudley Park, graduated from Ole Miss in 1978, and his uncle, Mike Park, was an All-SEC pitcher on the Rebel baseball team before graduating in 1975.

“I am very excited for Michael and his family. Ole Miss and baseball have a memorable history in the Park family, and the opportunity for Michael to play at not only the school of his choice but one that has meant so much to the Parks is really special,” shares Coach MacMillan. “Ole Miss will provide Michael the opportunity to excel in the classroom and compete for one of the top programs in the toughest conference in the country. That’s a great combination for him to be a part of.”

Diamond Owls Announce 2006 Post-Season Honors

Five members of the 2006 MUS baseball team were honored as head coach Marc MacMillan announced the program's annual post-season awards. Zack Rutland took top billing, earning both the Most Valuable Player Award and the Best Defensive Player Award.

Others honored were Michael Park, who earned the Most Outstanding Pitcher Award; Max Prokell, who earned the Best Offensive Player Award; Blair Wright, who earned the Most Improved Player Award; and Matt Henning, who earned the "Spirit" Award.

Most Valuable Player and Best Defensive Award - Rutland (Sr/C) started 38 out of 40 games, leading the team in batting with a .388 average while totaling 45 hits including 13 doubles, 6 HR, 40 RBI and 28 runs scored.  Zack was also awarded the Best Defensive Player Award, leading the team with a .983 fielding percentage.  Most memorable was Zack's performance against Briarcrest in the quarterfinals of the D2 West Tennessee Regional Tournament as he threw out three base runners (in the first two innings), went 2-3 with a double and four runs batted in to assist his team in earning only its second trip in school history to the State Tournament.  Rutland was named to the 2006 Pepsi Challenge All-Tournament Team and was also recognized by state and area coaches earning his selection to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s All-State Team, D2 West Tennessee Region All-Conference Team, D2 West Tennessee Regional All-Tournament Team, Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association's All-Region Team, and The Commercial Appeal's "Private" All-Metro Team.

Most Outstanding Pitcher - Park (Jr/RHP) put together one of the best seasons in MUS baseball history, finishing with an overall record of 10-1 and a 1.56 ERA.  He pitched 62.67 innings, allowing 44 hits while striking out 92 and walking 20 batters.  He picked up wins against Briarcrest, ECS, Hendersonville, Knoxville Webb, Millington, and St. Benedict.  Michael's performance throughout the year was recognized nationally with his selection as an Honorable Mention Multi-Position Player for the 2006 Louisville Slugger All-American Team and as a P/UT player for the 2006 National High School Baseball Coaches Association's All District Team.  He was selected to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s All-State Team, D2 West Tennessee Region All-Conference Team, the D2 West Tennessee Regional All Tournament Team, Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association's All-Region Team, The Commercial Appeal's "Private" All-Metro Team, and The Commercial Appeal's Best of the Preps finalist. 

Best Offensive Player - Prokell (Sr/CF) put together one of the best offensive seasons in MUS baseball history, batting .370 with 50 total hits including 13 doubles, 5 triples, 7 HR; totaling 94 bases, 30 RBI and 46 runs scored; and stealing 10 bases.  With such offensive production, Max ranks in the Top 3 of individual season records in the categories of At Bats, Hits, Doubles, Triples, Home Runs, Total Bases, and Slugging Percentage.  Prokell was named to the 14th Annual USA Classic All-Tournament Team and was also recognized by state and area coaches, earning his selection to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s All-State Team, D2 West Tennessee Region All-Conference Team, D2 West Tennessee Regional All-Tournament Team, Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association's All-Region Team, and The Commercial Appeal's "Private" All-Metro Team.

Most Improved Player - Wright (So/RHP/UT) showed steady improvement throughout the year, playing for both the JV and varsity.  A versatile player, Blair plays four positions - 3B, 2B, SS, P - for the Diamond Owls.  On the mound he picked up a key league win against Harding and then put together one of the best pitching performances of the year against Knoxville Webb in the State Tournament, allowing the Owls to advance to the State semifinals.  In the semifinals against BGA, Blair threw 2.67 innings of relief after having pitched a complete game versus Knoxville Webb.  In total, he pitched 10 innings, allowing 9 hits, 3 runs (2 earned) while striking out 8.  His gritty performances in both the West Tennessee Regional and State Tournament demonstrated the type of mental and physical mind-set needed for future success.

“Spirit” Award - After having made significant contributions in 2005, Henning was ineligible for the 2006 season; however, he wanted to continue to be a part of MUS Baseball.  In doing so, Matt continued to work out with the team throughout the fall and winter with both conditioning and lifting weights.  Matt's senior leadership, hard work, support, and encouragement throughout the season was significant to the team's overall success and greatly appreciated by both coaches and teammates.

2006 Postseason Honors: 

- 2006 TPX Louisville Slugger Honorable-Mention All American: Michael Park
- National High School Baseball Coaches Association’s All-District Team: Michael Park
- Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s All-State Team: Tyler Massey, Michael Park, Max Prokell, and Zack Rutland
- Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association’s All-Region Team: Michael Park, Max Prokell, and Zack Rutland
- D2 “Large” West Tennessee Region All-Conference Team: Tyler Massey, Michael Park, Max Prokell, and Zack Rutland
- D2 West Tennessee Region All-Tournament Team: Michael Park, Max Prokell, and Zack Rutland
The Commercial Appeal's “Private” All-Metro Team: Tyler Massey, Michael Park, Max Prokell, and Zack Rutland