Day Two of Omaha Challenge Busy for Louisville Baseball
November 26, 2013 | Baseball
Nov. 26, 2013
2013 Omaha Challenge Photo Gallery
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Day two of the Louisville baseball team's annual Omaha Challenge proved to be a busy one on Monday as the Cardinals competed in the shuttle run and conducted testing in the long jump and vertical jump during the morning, while the afternoon featured the tire flip and tug-of-war.
Pitcher Zack Burdi of the Red squad won the 2,100-yard shuttle run with a time of 7:43, while fellow pitcher Robert Strader of the Black squad was second at 8:00. Captain and infielder Zach Lucas of the Black squad won the tire flip with a time of 58.90, while pitcher Nick Burdi of the Red team was second at 1:01.82. The tug-of-war was won by the Black team to end the day.
Overall, after two days of competition, the Red squad holds a 1,402-1,375 lead over the Black team. Individually, Z. Burdi leads the way with 109 points, with Strader in second at 106 points and Lucas in third with 105 points. The opening week of competition concludes on Tuesday morning with multiple events.
Led by captain and junior righthanded pitcher Jared Ruxer, the Red squad features Zack Burdi, Jakson Deyer, Jeff Gardner, Ryan Summers, Ryan Lauria, Corey Ray, Jake Sparger, Brandon Alphin, Kyle Funkhouser, Colin Lyman, Blake Tiberi, Alex Sears, Nick Burdi, Sutton Whiting, Kyle Gibson, Aaron Gershenfeld, Mike White, Anthony Kidston and Alex Chittenden. Paced by captain and junior infielder Zach Lucas, the Black squad also features Robert Strader, Joe Filomeno, Cole Sturgeon, Drew Harrington, Shane Crain, Nick Solak, Danny Rosenbaum, Will Smith, Jordan Simons, Brad Hedden, Logan Taylor, Jonah Philley, Jordan Striegel, Mason Richardson, Kyle McGrath, Josh Rogers, Grant Kay, Matt Rowland and Michael Bollmer.
About the Omaha Challenge
After being hired to lead the Cardinals, McDonnell introduced an intense test of physical and mental stamina during his first fall at the University of Louisville with what he refers to as the Omaha Challenge.
Two captains are selected and teams are drafted to compete against one another in a five-day series of events that tests the athleticism of the teams and the individuals, with a team crown and an individual champion to be named at the end of the competition. Sports performance coach Zach Farrel oversees the competition, while also motivating his charges to extend themselves to their limits.
Following the Cardinals on Social Media
Fans can follow Louisville baseball on Twitter at http://twitter.com/uoflbaseball and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ulbaseball.
