Omaha Challenge Resumes with Dodgeball, Truck Push Events
December 03, 2013 | Baseball
Dec. 3, 2013
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Following a break from competition for the Thanksgiving holiday, the Louisville baseball team's annual Omaha Challenge resumed on Monday with the dodgeball and truck push team events.
The day began with the morning dodgeball competition inside the Trager Center where the Red team won the best-of-seven contest to earn 75 points. However, after electing to take a chance and pursue an additional 75 points in a double-for-nothing series, the Red team lost in a best-of-three series to the Black squad deducting the earlier points.
In the afternoon, the teams competed in the 2.2-mile truck push event around Ring Road at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The Red team finished the event with a time of 27:47.21 to win the 75 points, while the Black squad had a time of 29:14.81.
Following four days of intense competition, the Red squad holds a narrow 2,042-2,031 lead over the Black team. Individually, freshman Zack Burdi of the Red team continues to hold a slim lead with 153 points, while freshman Nick Solak of the Black squad is second with 145 points. Senior Cole Sturgeon of the Black team is third with 135 points, with redshirt freshman Robert Strader of the Black squad in fourth with 134 points. The Omaha Challenge will conclude on Tuesday with the swim competition and the medley.
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.
