Golden Eagles Aren't Short on Confidence

Originally Published: May 26, 2010 5:13 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

TULSA, Oklahoma – If the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles are nervous going into this weekend’s Summit League tournament, they have a funny way of showing it.

After Tyler Saladino slammed P.J. Sequeira with an iceberg-sized shaving cream pie to the face during an interview after practice, the team couldn’t be any looser on the eve the league’s title opener.

“My expectations are to come out and run-rule every single one of these teams,” smiled ORU junior Tyler Saladino. “We’re a lot better all around. A few teams have some pitching and some hitting, but as a team, we’re going to come out and sweep through this tournament.”

Head coach Rob Walton is more confident than cocky having been around Golden Eagles baseball for a while. He’s seen Oral Roberts win the league title every year since arriving on campus, but knows nobody in the league is going to hand his team the trophy.

“You never know what can happen in a tournament,” said Walton Wednesday morning. “Oakland, Centenaryand South Dakota (State) are, I think, the best teams we’ve played the entire year. All three of them have more than enough to compete and win the tournament.”

The Golden Eagles own 12 consecutive Summit League championships and the billboard just over the right field fence proudly displays that feat. If Oral Roberts is going to make it an even baker’s dozen, the ORU arms will lead the way.

“I think if we pitch and play defense, that will give us a chance to be in every game,” said Walton. “If that’s the case, it’ll be good baseball to watch and give us a good opportunity.”

His players agree.

“It’s tough because it’s back-to-back games,” said Sequeira. “Pitching gets used up. Guys get tired. It’s a grind, but it’s fun.”

Second seeded Oral Roberts will play third seeded Centenary in round one Thursday night at 7 at J.L. Johnson Stadium. That game marks the first step towards another championship ring for Walton and his players.

“I don’t think there’s any nerves,” he said.