Ryerson Rams to join OUA baseball in 2013

TORONTO - The Ryerson University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the approval of a new baseball team which will compete in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) circuit beginning play in the fall of 2013.

Led by the vision and guidance from the team's first head coach, Ben Rich, the program moved through a series of approvals from the department which culminated in the decision to support the creation of the baseball team.

"The entire coaching staff is thrilled that Ryerson athletics continues to give us their support with this endeavour," commented coach Rich. "We are on our way to realizing our goal of bringing a top-notch baseball team to Ryerson University."

Rich and the rest of his coaching staff approached Ryerson athletics in July of 2012 in an effort to begin discussions about starting a baseball program at Ryerson and were presented with a series of expectations that needed to be met before a decision could be made.

Among those expectations was demonstrating an interest level within the Ryerson community that would lead to sustained participation and success as well as the financial feasibility to get the program off the ground.

"The process with which the baseball team gained their approval is a strong example of the path potential teams will take in the future under Ryerson's new, forthcoming athletics club sport model," noted Nick Asquini, Aquatics and Club Coordinator.

"We were impressed with the organization and research that the coaching staff presented us with in terms of meeting the expectations we laid out for them," said Associate Director of Athletics, Stephanie White. "The program has a strong support staff in place and we look forward to seeing our newest OUA team compete and strive for success."

In mid-October the coaching staff held an information session to generate interest for the program and to allow potential players to sign up for a tryout. Tryouts were held which provided a solid number of interested athletes. These athletes have been participating in workout sessions and indoor skill sessions beginning earlier this month in preparation for their first season.

An extensive program proposal and budget was submitted to Ryerson athletics which, coupled with the success of the tryout, led to the decision on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 to officially approve the team's status.

Baseball at the OUA level has been in action since 2001 and with the addition of Ryerson will have nine teams competing for the championship next season. The schedule will consist of approximately 20 regular season games with the top four teams advancing to a championship tournament.

Source: Ryerson Sports Info