Thanks for all the kind words mates!
Shocker baseball's facilities were an evolutionary process that coincided with Wichita State's 35 year run as a national baseball power. Gene Stephenson was forever pushing donors to begin the next phase of facilities expansion. It was unfortunate that his career had to end when it did but the program was starting to slip and Gene himself was starting to "slip" off the field.
While Charles Koch has certainly made his presence known to Wichita State over the last 10-15 years or so, I do not believe a single penny of his has ever been allocated to the baseball program. The latest athletic department expansion (heavily funded by Koch) may benefit the baseball program slightly, but I could be wrong.
RH: Needed Space On the Way at Koch, Eck
"Boatright said he expects to start on a $3-million Phase V project at Eck Stadium-Home of Tyler Field, highlighted by a new weight room and clubhouse, in late May or June."
I don't know if any Koch funds are behind this particular expansion, but in the past, it's been all small to medium level boosters fueling Shocker baseball's rise. During the 90's, the dark era of Shocker basketball, it was baseball that sustained us as a fanbase with multiple CWS runs.
Gene Stephenson revived the program back in 1978 and we played baseball on a city owned park. Year by year and win by win we eventually built the program into what you see today.
Gene Stephenson wasn't finished building but time ran out for him. Coach Butler so far has not performed up to expectations during his tenure and his team's above average performance this year has caught everybody by surprise. Investments in Shocker baseball will continue as will the our winning ways... with or without Todd Butler.
Good game guys! You really whipped our asses on Friday.
HuskyU!!! Where are you my friend!!!
T
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