"Florida is the epitome of what every program should be": Texas A&M HC Jim Schlossnagle praises Gators, excited for 2024 CWS final vs. Tennessee
Texas A&M Aggies head coach Jim Schlossnagle lauded the Florida Gators' incredible run in the College World Series after his team booked their ticket to the final by blanking last season's runner-up 6-0 on June 19th.
The Gators came to Omaha as the underdogs, given that they were the only unseeded team in the field of eight. However, they stunned the NC State Wolfpack and dominated the second-seed Kentucky Wildcats before the Aggies eliminated them from the tournament.
Schlossnagle was full of praise for Florida's spirit, saying:
"I want to make sure — Florida, what [Sullivan] did with his club, coming from 13-17 to playing in the Final Four in the country, just — Florida is the program that at Texas A&M we're trying to emulate.
"State school that continues just to build really good high school players on top of high school players and cherry pick the portal and not have to rely on the transfer portal so much. Florida, to me, is the epitome of what every program should look to be. It doesn't shock me. Death, taxes and Florida in Omaha is pretty much things you can count on." (Via 247sports.com)
Despite their mediocre regular season (28-26), the Gators scored major scalps in the postseason, winning the Stillwater Regional and sweeping the Clemson Tigers in the Clemson Super Regional. No. 3 MLB draft prospect Jac Caglianone, had a big hand in the Gators' success, scoring 35 home runs and 72 RBI at an average of .419.
Schlossnagle excited for Texas A&M vs Tennessee showdown
Jim Schlossangle will lead the Aggies in their maiden College World Series finals against the top-seeded Tennessee Volunteers, who will take part in the finals for the first time since 1951.
Ahead of the high-stakes showdown, Schlossnagle admitted he was excited for his first trip to the CWS finals, praising the top seed for their incredible season.
"I'm a college baseball fan too. I'm tired of leaving before the championship. So personally it's awesome, it's fun to get to be a part of, excited to play an awesome Tennessee team, one of the best college teams that I've — I mean, they really have a great team. Not just great players, but they have a great team." (Via 247sports.com)
Game 1 of the best-of-three series of the College World Series final will take place on June 22nd at 7:30 pm ET.