Catawba College Baseball Team Reaches Division II World Series for Fourth Time
In 2012, the Catawba College baseball team made history by reaching the Division II World Series for the first time. Since then, they have returned to Cary, N.C., for the fourth time, most recently in 2019. The team’s head coach, Jim Gantt, emphasized the importance of cherishing each opportunity to compete at this level as there are no guarantees of future success.
The current roster has no players with prior World Series experience, but they feel prepared for the challenge ahead. Graduate pitcher Payne Stolsworth highlighted that while the World Series is a significant event, at its core, it is still a game of baseball. The team may not have the star power of past championship runs, but their collective focus on teamwork has been a driving force in their success.
Coach Gantt emphasized the importance of putting the team before individual accolades, which has been a key factor in the team’s return to the World Series. One player with a special connection to Catawba College is catcher Bo Rusher III, whose family has a history with the school’s athletics programs. Rusher transferred back to Catawba in 2024 to finish his collegiate career and make a run at a championship for his hometown. As the No. 3 seed in the Division II World Series, Catawba College will face Southern New Hampshire in their opening game on Sunday at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C.
The Division II World Series is an exciting event that brings together some of the best college baseball teams from around the country. While some teams may have more star power or experience than others, it ultimately comes down to who can come together as a team and play their best on any given day.
With no guarantees of future success and an emphasis on teamwork and humility, it seems that Catawba College is well-equipped to handle whatever challenges come their way during this year’s tournament.
As they prepare for their upcoming match against Southern New Hampshire on Sunday afternoon at USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary N
