Dec. 23, 2002

Columbia, S.C. – The University of South Carolina baseball team has been ranked eighth in the Collegiate Baseball Preseason Poll for the 2003 season. The Gamecocks finished as National Runner-up in 2002 with a 57-18 record and as 2002 SEC Champions. Over the past three seasons, no team has won more games in college baseball then South Carolina with a 162-48 record.

In addition to a top 10 ranking, junior catcher Landon Powell was named first team Preseason All-American. Powell batted .292 as a sophomore with 12 HR and 53 RBI and was catcher for the USA National Team last summer. Powell also earned College World Series All-Tournament Team honors.

Last year’s national champions Texas ranked first in the poll. South Carolina was one of five SEC teams to be ranked in the top 40. The other SEC teams ranked are LSU (No. 6), Mississippi State (No. 11), Georgia (No. 33), Auburn (No. 40).

The Gamecocks will open up the 2003 season on Feb. 7 at Sarge Frye Field vs. Charleston Southern. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.