Feb. 17, 2009
FREE Video of UCF Media Day (Click on Free Events)
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Well over 30 people attended UCF baseball's media Tuesday afternoon as the Orlando community continues to get excited about the 2009 season. The coaching staff and players were all available for interviews and photo shoots after several members of the media took part in batting practice on the field, with a few even sending balls to the warning track.
Check out the links above for video interviews and a photo gallery. The gallery includes pics of the new chairback seating going in in section 101 behind home plate.
Head coach Terry Rooney certainly spent a lot of time facing the microphones on Tuesday.
"It's great to have the media out here," said head coach Terry Rooney, who will be managing his first collegiate game on Friday. "I told people when I accepted this job in June that I wasn't interested in building a team. My background is in recruiting and pitching as an assistant coach, but I was interested in continuing to enhance the reputation of this baseball program. Part of this program is not just the players, it's everything. It's the media, the community, marketing and promotions. One of the biggest goals I wanted to instill here is for everyone to take ownership in it. Right down from the head coach to the support staff to the players. Once that happens, we're on our way to building a nationally-ranked program.
"I'm extremely excited and excited for these players (that Opening Day is closing in). We have 33 guys who have really responded to the challenge. To play for me you have to be ready to go every single day. Anybody that has followed college baseball, they know that enthusiasm and intensity can go a long way and that's what I want to see.
"We have 13 seniors on our roster, and this has been a little bit of a change for them with a new coaching staff. So they have to buy into it, and these guys have been unbelievable. Players like Justin Weiss, Kyle Sweat and Kiko Vazquez, from the moment I got here they have embraced what we are trying to do and have fantastic leaders."
While the coaches were busy, many players had numerous interview requests as well, including Friday night starting pitcher Kyle Sweat.
"I think this is the biggest Friday of my career," said Sweat. "And I know there are a lot of expectations for everybody. But the fall was awesome and all the guys came back in the spring ready and in shape. These practices have been really good, especially competing against each other. We all have been taking advantage of our opportunities and that's what really counts."
The Knights are set to tangle with Virginia Commonwealth in a four-game series sponsored by Holler-Classic Automotive starting Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Baseball season and single game tickets are on sale now for the 2009 campaign. Call the UCF Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000 for more information. Fans may also visit UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, and is the home of UCF's online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.