Bama Bound on Coastal Bend
Published on February 17, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Twenty-first ranked Alabama, the Southeastern Conference's winningest program, headlines the Fourth Annual Whataburger College Classic March 5-8 at Whataburger Field.
The Crimson Tide and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi begin 2009 Whataburger College Classic action at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 5. Alabama and
Texas-Pan American play 24 hours later.
Saturday the Islanders play two, vs. the Broncs at 1 and Tide at 5. TAMUCC and UTPA complete the event at 1 o'clock Sunday.
Thursday, Friday and Sunday individual tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for students and youth 12-and-under. Saturday admission is $8 and $4. For tickets, call 361-561-HOOK, visit the Whataburger Field box office or go to cchooks.com
The Whataburger College Classic benefits scholarship programs at TAMUCC. Non-profit groups and organizations are encouraged to participate in the annual Whataburger College Classic fundraising initiative. Non-profits keep half of all daily ticket proceeds through a consignment program. For details, contact Spencer Moore of the Hooks at 361-561-4713.
"We are privileged to again partner with Whataburger in promoting college baseball and helping TAMUCC and our community through the Whataburger College Classic," tournament director Matt Rogers said. "We are very excited about Alabama's participation. Under coach (Jim) Wells, the Tide has made 11 NCAA playoff appearances since 1995. Baseball America ranks them 21st and they have an experienced, explosive club.
"Pan Am and the Islanders give this year's tournament a strong South Texas flavor. Coach (Manny) Mantrana and coach (Scott) Malone are constructing programs and this year's event will provide a measuring stick of their progress."
"We're proud to be a part of the College Classic - a first-class tournament that consistently brings nationally-ranked programs from around the country to South Texas," said Todd Coerver, Whataburger Vice President of Marketing & Innovation. "It's a great event for local sports fans and it provides us a unique opportunity to do our part to add to the quality of life here in our hometown."
The Crimson Tide went 35-28 in 2008, 16-14 in the SEC, and advanced to the NCAA Regional at Conway, South Carolina. Alabama has made 16 NCAA appearances and five trips to the College World Series.
Mantrana, in his first year as Bronc boss, moved to Edinburg from St. Thomas (Florida) University. He is attempting to revive a program that was once one of Texas' best. UTPA played in 13 NCAA tournaments between 1968-86 and reached the College World Series in 1971 under legendary coach Al Ogletree.
Malone is in year two of his building project. The Islanders were 24-33 in 2008 and finished 14-15 in Southland Conference play. They ousted regular-season champion UTSA in the SLC tournament at SamHoustonState.
All three Whataburger College Classic teams open play on Friday, February 20. Alabama hosts Southeast Missouri State in the first of three contests, UTPA travels to Lubbock for a meeting with Texas Tech and TAMUCC begins a
four-game series at New Mexico.
Arizona, Arizona State, Notre Dame, Rice, South Alabama, Texas Tech and TCU are past out-of-town Whataburger College Classic teams. Mississippi State, Oklahoma and UCLA join the Islanders in 2010.
The Whataburger College Classic is held during Spring Break for many colleges and universities. South Padre Island is a popular ultimate destination, but those in the Coastal Bend can enjoy a number of family-related attractions near the ballpark.
The Corpus Christi Museum District is within walking distance of Whataburger Field. The USS Lexington Museum On The Bay http://www.usslexington.com offers a nostalgic trip through wartime history. The Texas State Aquarium http://texasstateaquarium.com provides an educational and fun experience for young and old.
2009 WhataburgerCollege Classic
Thursday, March 5 -- TAMUCC vs. Alabama, 6 p.m.; Friday, March 6 --
Alabama vs. Texas-Pan American, 6 p.m.; Saturday, March 7 --
TAMUCC vs. Texas-Pan American, 1 p.m.; Alabama vs. TAMUCC, 5 p.m.;
Sunday, March 8 -- Texas-Pan American vs. TAMUCC, 1 p.m.
designated home team is second club listed
Texas League Stories from February 17, 2009
- Travs Announce Spring Training Ticket Specials - Arkansas Travelers
- Bama Bound on Coastal Bend - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Meet the BARBS! Hooks Launch New Fan Club - Corpus Christi Hooks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
