Cats one of Last Teams Left out of National Tournament
MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats had hoped to receive a bid to the 2024 NAIA Baseball National Championship, but it wasn't to be Thursday. The Cats were one of the last teams left out of the 46-team field.
Bethel was 32-14 on the season. They finished with a 10-8 mark in the Mid-South Conference. The Cats were a number 2 seed in the recent MSC Championships.
It was the sixth time in Coach Rusty Thompson's tenure his team has won 30 or more games in a season. Coach Thompson is in his 17th season as head coach of the Wildcats. Thompson recorded his 400th career victory back in February. He has a career mark of 415-345-3 with the Wildcats. Thompson is assisted by Nick Thompson (17th season) and Lee Whitaker) 7th season).
Thompson was named the MSC Coach of the Year.
Jared Hall was named the MSC Freshman of the Year. Hall hit .429 on the season. He hit four home runs and drove in 45 runs. Hall's .429 batting average ranked second in the conference.
Noah Foster and Ivan Vega were 1s team all-conference selections. Adriel Vega was named to the MSC Gold Glove squad. Foster was named to the MSC Champions of Character team.
Bethel was 23-8 at home and had a 12-game winning streak on the year.
The Wildcats had 19 players earn conference all-academic awards.
Several Wildcats set new season and career program marks this past season.
Single Season Records
Runs (1st) - Jared Hall - 60
Doubles (1st) - Juan Diego - 21
Wins (T-5th) - Luke Boswell, Tyler Proctor, Lucas Smith - 7
Appearances (T-5th) - Tristian Seputis - 21
Career Records - Batting
Triples (T-3rd) - Jose Olmeda – 6
Walks (4th) - Jose Olmeda - 71
Career Records - Pitching
Strikeouts (4th) - Alexis Rodriguez - 149
Appearances (T-2nd) - Alexis Rodriguez, Ryan White - 59
Saves (4th) - Alexis Rodriguez - 11
Starts (T-6th) - Luke Boswell – 26
Coach Thompson commented, "I am proud of my players and coaches. We had a great year in many ways and will use this season to build for next year and the years to come. Our young men stepped up time after time all year. I especially want to thank our seniors for their leadership and contributions."