EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University’s Spring athletic season recently concluded, marking the completion of the 2023-24 athletic calendar year. It was a memorable one for the Beacons. Athletes not only rewrote the record books but also showcased exemplary sportsmanship and brought home multiple titles.
Overall, the Beacons collected significant conference recognition, with two Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Players of the Week and eight athletes honored with All-Conference accolades. Additionally, 43 spring athletes received Academic All-Conference honors for maintaining a GPA of 3.2 or higher, with 36 of them also earning NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Additionally, 23 Beacons were named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, recognizing the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performance on the field and in the classroom. Nationally, the Beacons went a perfect 16-for-16 earning NAIA Scholar Team Honors as every NAIA-sponsored team earned a 3.0 cumulative team GPA.
The baseball team, in just its third year of existence, led the charge by winning the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Tournament. Their victory secured them a coveted spot in the NAIA Tournament. Head Coach Tommy Richards was honored as the CCC Coach of Character, reflecting his leadership and the positive impact he has had on the program. For the second time in three years, the team itself was awarded the CCC Team of Character, emphasizing their commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
In track and field, Bushnell athletes shattered records and earned honors throughout the season. Jermaine Schexnayder became a standout star, winning the CCC Triple Jump and setting new records in both indoor and outdoor events. His outstanding performance qualified him for the NAIA Championship alongside teammates Kaleo Wellman, who earned All-CCC honors in the Long Jump, and Kaitlin Cook, who broke school records in the 1000m and 3000m races. Their achievements highlight a track and field season filled with success, as the Beacon’s set 12 school records throughout the season.
The softball team contributed to the season’s thrill with a historic win over No. 10-ranked Southern Oregon, marking their first-ever top-10 victory. The win against a team that advanced to the World Series was a significant milestone and contributed to the team earning their most wins over the past eight years. Bushnell’s esports team also had a remarkable season. The Rocket League team finished as the runner-up in the ECAC Contenders Division, boasting a 9-1 record. On the golf course, Jackson Muramoto earned All-CCC recognition for the second straight year, while the women’s golf team was awarded the CCC Team Sportsmanship Award. For Beach volleyball, the team debuted its new home courts at Grace Community Fellowship. Additionally, the team’s hard work paid off as they qualified for the NAIA West Regional Tournament, marking a significant achievement in their growing program.
As the spring season ends, Bushnell University encourages fans and supporters to stay updated on all Beacon Athletics by visiting www.bushnellbeacons.com. Prospective student-athletes interested in attending and playing at Bushnell University should fill out a recruiting interest form for the sport they are interested in.
Explore spring season photos of any team at the Beacons photo gallery by visiting www.bushnellbeacons.pixieset.com.