Jan. 2, 2003

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina baseball team has been ranked No. 14 in the Baseball America 2003 Preseason College Top 25. Over the past three seasons under head coach Ray Tanner, South Carolina has won more games than any team in Division I baseball, with 162 wins. The 2002 Gamecocks set a single-season record for wins finishing with a 57-18 record, reaching the championship game at the College World Series.

The Gamecocks were selected No. 8 in the nation by Collegiate Baseball on Dec. 23. In addition, junior C Landon Powell was named first team 2002 Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American as selected by Collegiate Baseball. Powell was catcher on the USA National Team this summer and is one of three captains on the 2003 squad. Powell batted .292 in 2002 with 12 HR and 53 RBI. Powell was also named to the CWS All-Tournament Team.

Carolina opens the 2003 season on Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. vs. Charleston Southern at Sarge Frye Field. USC has won two of the last three SEC Championships (2002, 2000) as well as three of the last four SEC Eastern Division Titles (2002, 2000, 1999).